The only bad part was the road to Mowich: it is awful. Washboard the whole way.

That being said, everything else about this trip was lovely. I took my 7 yo son with me. We backpacked from Mowich lake to Eagles Roost (you need a permit!), had a lovely stay there, then day hiked to spray park the next day and then back to Mowich lake.

Trail was great, pit toilet at Eagles was in good shape, Grant's Creek was really easy to filter water from. We tried to go to Spray falls, but you had to cross on a fallen log and it was outside our comfort level. We did see adults make it across, though. Spray park was only 11 switchbacks after the fork for the falls and the views (and blueberries!) were definitely worth it! A lovely trip! 

May sound obvious, but think this loop would be better done when the flowers are blooming and on a clearer day.  Virtually half of this loop is nothing but forest while nice, was pretty monotonous and the payoff with views in clouds and flowers past prime wasn’t worth it to me.  The right season and weather though, it would be spectacular like most other trip reports show.  I’ll make sure to catch it another year and explore more.

I did it this time because was on my way to Alpine Lakes area and wanted to hit up north side of Rainier for some different scenery.   With the side addition of Tolmie, the total mileage of everything was about 18ish miles with 5500 ft. gain?  Sore legs agree.

Road up to Mowich Lake campgrounds good for even a sedan like fine.  A little bumpy, but potholes weren’t bad.

Starting from Mowich Lake TH, going up to Tolmie was nice.  Can see why it’s so popular as the effort/reward ratio is high.  The view was hazy at the lookout and the mountain was obscured, but nice nonetheless with Eunice Lake below.

Now from Tolmie, along the Wonderland Trail covering Ipsut Creek, the suspension bridge, Carbon River Camp, and up to Cataract Valley Camp, it’s virtually forest.  Path is easy to follow and well signed at junctions.  I’m not sure if the Carbon Glacier view from the suspension bridge is no longer viable, or it’s receded to the point where it’s not as noticeable anymore, but I could barely tell.

When it breaks out into heather meadows, then alpine tundra, and finally Spray Park does it get interesting.  Alas, for me, clouds had rolled in and a lot of views were obscured.  I knew flowers would be past their prime but was hoping to sock in some views.  About the only thing blooming was purple gentian.

On the descent, took the quick side trip to Spray Falls.  Pro tip: the rocks are slippery in the middle of the creek so if you attempt to jump to the middle to get a better picture without trees obscuring thinking you’re some sure-footed ninja mountain goat, you may or may not bust your ass and spend a horrifying second thinking your phone slipped out and was rushed away in the rushing creek.

Start Mowich Lake TH: 900 AM

Tolmie Peak: 1025 AM

Suspension Bridge near Carbon River Camp: 200 PM

Cataract Valley Camp: 315 PM

Spray Falls: 600 PM

End Mowich Lake TH: 700 PM

Excellent hike especially up to Spray Seattle Park

Forest road drive, parking, and restrooms

Trailhead to Spray Falls

Spray Falls to Spray Park

Spray Park to Flett Glacier

Spray Park to Knapsack Pass

Knapsack Pass to Mowich Lake

Bugs/Mosquitoes

It was a cooler day with some clouds but a nice break from the super hot days we've had, perfect for hiking. I overheat easily (my DNA puts me in the foggy hills of Scotland) as do my siblings. The TH starts from the Mowich Lake "campground" which looks like a parking lot, it lacks everything I appreciate about camping, but I digress. The trail is in good shape, you descend for a mile or so (?) before you encounter steps, lots of steps, up and down, through a tranquil forest. There are few water crossings, impressive water volume in two of them. Eventually you hit the final ascent, switchbacks with steep, rocky trail but uphill is quite doable, it's the descent that poles are definitely beneficial for old hikers with original knees. Crossed paths with a number of hikers on multi-day treks, enjoy talking with them and getting their stories and experiences. Hikers love to talk about hiking. Met a dad with his 10-month old daughter Lucy who was smiles from ear-to-ear. Met a solo hiker finishing up a 5-day trek, she had good experiences to share. Met another solo hiker just starting a 96-mile trek who appeared to be almost as old, with knees double-taped and wrapped. Met 3 young women on a 6-day trek (3 days into it) on a figure eight route. Once we arrived at the "top" to gorgeous meadows, streams, peaks, and wildflowers on their way out, it was worth the steep, rocky mile or two. The sun was not at it's best but it was a perfect PNW day with a few low clouds dancing across Hessong Rock and Fay Peak. Never saw Tahoma because of the low clouds. Found a large rock formation to rest and eat. Hikers continued to pass by from multiple points of entry. Lots of happy hikers. This is a beautiful hike and even with the number of hikers we met, it never seemed crowded at all. Tracked 8.2 miles with 2,300' EG. Arrived back at Mowich "campground" just as the rain started. The "campground" had become wall-to-wall tents. Apparently there was a running event that brought many participants to the "campground". It was comforting getting into a dry and warm truck! I felt bad for those trying to stay dry in their tents, but we all live here because we love the rain, right? Great hike, put it on your list.