Hiked in a loop today, following a counter clockwise route from Mowich Lake, then on the nice trail to Spray Park, up the steep climber’s trail up Mount Pleasant before dipping down to Mist Park, climbing up Knapsack Pass back to Mowich Lake.

I originally set out for Summit Lake in the area but the road there seemed to be blocked by a forest service crew working on excavating the road? Either way I turned back and checked for an alternate hikes at the ranger station. The Spray Park trail seemed like a beautiful option on a cool and sunny Friday.

Long and dusty gravel road to this area of the park but well graded. The parking area is a little cramped by the time I got there at 10, lots of people! I was able to snag a spot after an early morning hiker left. Also it’s cool to see all the Wonderland hikers staging and camping at the campground.

The hike to Spray Park is pretty uneventful, you’re in the forest canopy for most of the way and not too much incline until right around Spray Falls, which is absolutely worth the side trip to check out. Saw a few pikas along the rock fields along this part of the trail, too.

From Spray Park, I climbed up the little trail towards Hesseong Rock and Mount Pleasant. It’s easy to follow the trail but it is very very steep and narrow! It just goes straight up the mountain and you need to watch out for loose rock.

I took a break up top, the view is beautiful! You have a 360 panorama of the whole area and Rainier absolutely dominates the view.

Then I climbed down the unmaintained trail into Mist Park towards Knapsack Pass. This part is a little tricky but it helps to take a good look at the trail to come from the top of Mount Pleasant. There’s a few talus fields, but my map, common sense and some cairns kept me on track.

I’ve read about lots of posts that talks about how hard it is to climb up the pass. I thought it was fine, I noticed a climbers trail through the scree. I was able to follow it from the climber’s left of the pass by the cliff, and I was able to get up there pretty quickly.

From the top of the pass I was able to look at Rainier one last time before setting out for my car at the lake. It’s an unmaintained trail back to the parking lot, and it is a little overgrown (some bad eroded root sections and steep), but not rocky at all and you get a nice view of the lake most of the way down.

Headed with MaoVador to Spray Park to do the loop and with then some. 

The gravel road to the trailhead was nicely graded and maintained. On the way there, we ended up in a line of seven cars going 15 mph in a 30. Unfortunately, folks were driving in the middle of the road, so it took us some time to pass. If there are cars behind you, you are going under the speed limit, etc. please use one of the many pull offs to let others safely pass. 

We arrived at the trailhead around 6:45am and got one of the last spots in the parking lot. The campground at the trailhead was incredibly busy. We blasted through and took the trail counter-clockwise to Spray Park. 

From the campground, the trail heads into the forest, and we were quickly on our own. We ended up at the falls in no time and crossed the stream to get closer views of the falls. After a few photos, we headed back to the main trail. From there, the trail quickly switch backs up until you emerge from the forest with great views of Rainer. 

We then followed the trail through the meadows and eventually took a smaller trail to the right toward Echo Rock. This is our second time doing this trail, and as with the last time, the trail eventually fizzles out. We continued to make our way toward Echo Rock, and decided to break off and climb a ridge to the right, toward Observation Rock. On the ridge, we took in the views and had a quick snack, before heading down to a pool below Flett Glacier. 

We headed back to the main trail and continued to loop toward Knapsack Pass. We took the trail back through the valley. On the other side of the valley, the trail becomes steep before leveling out ahead of a boulder/snow field. We heard multiple rock slides and saw a large group of mountain goats coming down causing the slides. We watched the goat shenanigans for a bit before making our way through the boulder field. The trail turns to gravel before some steep switchbacks up to Knapsack Pass. On the pass, we took in a quick view of Rainer, before taking the steep downhill on the other side of the pass.

The trail from the pass to Mowich Lake is never easy... it starts off steep, there are sections that are always muddy, but the most challenging aspect is the amount of roots on the trail, always looking to trip you. We took some offshoots on the way to check out a small falls and Mowich Lake.

Made it back to the car and by then, cars were parked for miles down the road. This is always a busy trail. If you can, get there early. 

• Mileage: 11.11 miles
• Elevation gain: 3,547
• Average moving speed: 2.8 mph
• Wildlife: grouse, mountain goats, tadpoles

Morning walk around Spray Park. Mile found an old Walkman with a mix tape still in it the night before, so needless to say, it was an interesting trip.

Yo dudes and dudettes, gather 'round and let me lay down the gnarly deets of my recent epic hiking escapade in Rainier National Park. Like, grab your fanny packs and slap on those neon headbands 'cause this is gonna be a totally tubular trip!

Rise and Shine, Warriors of the Wild! Bright and early at 6:45 am, we got to the trailhead and were ready to motor. The air was crisp, and the energy was electric, just like rockin' to Huey Lewis and the News on the radio. We hit the trail with pep in our step, off to conquer the wicked awesome Spray Falls with the sunrise as our backdrop.

Spray Falls Spectacular Showdown When we rolled up to Spray Falls, it was like a natural rock 'n' roll concert, with water jamming out in every direction. The mist hit us like a cool breeze, setting the tone for a day of righteous memories. We snapped a few Instamatic photos to capture the vibes and kept the momentum rolling!

Unleashing the Spray Park Beast Spray Park was way mad legit. While most of the wildflowers were past bloom, it was still totally tubular, especially with Rainer just hangin' out like a mallrat. The trail led us through fields, up stairs, and past meadows. No bears which was lame, but the landscape was choice.

Chasing the Highs and Snows! Flett Glacier was calling our names, and we were like, "As if we'd miss that party!" With the energy of a jammin' dance floor, we charged the ascent, tackling it like the heroes of our favorite blockbuster flick. Steppin' onto that glacier was like claiming our very own mountain of fame, with a view that was hotter than a John Hughes film.

Climbing for Glory! As the sun reached its peak, we faced the legendary Knapsack Pass. It was a trail of challenges, pushing us like Rocky training to fight Apollo Creed. Saw some dope mountain goats hella conquering the rocks. Like, dude, how? Anywhos, when we hit that pass, the view is totally primo!

Let's get Crackalackin Homies Time to get back to the car cause I have to meet the posse tonight at the skating rink, so down to Mowich Lake we go. The trail down is gnarly. Not sure which is harder, trying to see Tiffany at the mall, or gettin' down this. Rocks, roots, and mud, you will be jonesing for the flats. Back to the car and whoa! it was like Grand Central Station, with cars for about a mile down the road. 

Epic Conclusion: Keep Rockin' On! So, my rad pals, there you have it! We rocked the Spray Park Loop in Rainier National Park from sunup to lunchtime, covering a total of 11.5 miles and totally slaying 3,665 feet of elevation. It was an adventure that even Indy would lose his mind doing – packed with epic vibes, nature's wonders, and that indomitable spirit of the era. Until our next epic quest, keep on keepin' on! 🤘🥾🌟

- Miles "Cowabunga" Marmot

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The 14 mile forest road feels like it will never end at times. We got caught in a long, dusty caravan of vehicles making their way to Mowich Lake. A car wash is very much needed after driving the road, but it is in good condition with minimal washboarding - any reasonable car can make it.

There was a line of cars parked for at least one mile prior to the trailhead, but we got very lucky and found an open space. The line to the privy was several people deep so we did not use the privy.

Despite the sea of vehicles, this trail never felt crowded - we figured most folks made the drive to spend time at Mowich Lake or went to Tolmie Peak instead.

The trail to Spray Park is in great condition. There was one junction that caught us off guard: when you reach the sign for Eagle's Roost Camp to the right or water to the left, follow the trail left to the water source to continue to Spray Park. Definitely take the short excursion to view Spray Falls.

It feels like the trek between Spray Falls and Spray Park is where most of the elevation gain occurs, but once you break out of the forest you are greeted by lush green meadows and Rainier's presence.

Spray Park is dreamy, even though there was a lack of flowers in bloom. The bugs were pesky, and we came away with several bites despite repeat layers of deet. 

No bear sighting, and no marmots out today, either. We did hear some pika eeps on our way back down.

Overall, Spray Park is a gem!

Bottom Line:

Moderately strenuous hike that will reward you with stellar views of The Mountain while providing good amount of solitude - something hard to find in Mt. Rainier NP.

Access Road & Trailhead

If you’re new to gravel road driving, you’ll hate it. If you’re an avid PNW hiker, it’ll be just another road. Definitely not the worst nor the longest gravel road in my life.

Please be courteous (if you’re slow) and patient (if you’re fast) while driving it. Almost got into a head-on crash because some smart dude decided to pass in a blind curve. That being said, getting stuck for 16 miles behind a car barely making 10 mph and not willing to pull over can get anyone mad.

Cars were parked for a mile from the trailhead, and I got a spot about half a mile from it when I rolled in at 1.10 pm - although if I waited at turnaround like some people did, I’d most likely get a spot as many people were already leaving.

Trailhead has two fully stocked and clean restrooms and trash cans.

Hike

This trail is a trickster as it’s gradually loosing elevation for the first two miles - something you’ll have to regain on your way back when your legs are already tired.

Hike to the falls junction is pretty easy with some minor ups and downs. Hike past falls towards the park is a moderate-to-hard series of switchbacks, getting milder as it breaks onto meadows. Some mud is present in a couple spots, but otherwise the trail is obstacle-free. There’s a little patch of snow across the trail that isn’t sufficient to give it an “intermittent snow” status.

Views above tree line are truly astonishing all around. PM hike gives more favorable light for pictures of both Mt. Rainier and incredibly vast Mist Park.

There’s no “end” on this trail. My turnaround point was at 4 mi from the trailhead, where the trail started descending into Mist Park.

Another highlight of the hike was a cinnamon bear grazing on berries near the trail. It took no notice of hikers and soon went its way into the woods. Another bear was spotted near Mowich Lake and the trailhead.

Stats & Crowds

1.30 pm in - 5.10 pm out
1 hr 50 min to turnaround point / 4 mi
1 hr 30 min back to the trailhead / 4 mi

As others noted, while parking suggests a crowded disaster, Spray Park trail is surprisingly quiet and private. Apparently, majority of people visit for the lake.