I went for an early morning sunrise hike. I learned Spray Park is a trail meant to be enjoyed in full sun light. Although I enjoyed the current wildflowers blooming, they were in shade for most of my hike.
I also learned that the best spot to enjoy the sunrise is on the trail itself. I took the Spray Park social trail (the one towards Echo Rock/Observation Rock) to the end. The flower display was fantastic. Not necessarily the best spot to enjoy sunrise viewing on the surrounding landscape.
It does seem to be an avalanche lily super bloom year!
As far as a snow report, nothing has changed since AlpsDayTripper's report on Monday. There are 4 different snow fields to cross. Nothing difficult or dangerous. I was surprised with the sun and warmth that we have had, there wasn't more melt.
No bear sighting this morning. However, there was a pile of scat on the trail just near the Lee Creek Bridge (first creek crossing coming from Mowich Lake), that was not there on my way up.
I did swing by Spray Falls on my way down. The flow was low this morning.
Comments
AllOfUs on Spray Park
Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing them!
Posted by:
AllOfUs on Jul 14, 2021 01:13 PM
LittleAngelsMollie on Spray Park
Thank you!
Posted by:
Mary&Mollie on Jul 14, 2021 04:45 PM
Brianjon on Spray Park
Great pics and trail/trip report! I have a question about the first pic (heading up the spray park social trail): Was that a sunrise picture? I always thought that to get light on the mountain from Spray Park you had to be there at sunset, not sunrise. And your trip report indicated something to that effect, but wow, that looks like glorious light on the mountain! And if that's sunrise light, I'm super impressed and would try to get up there early instead of heading up mid afternoon, catching sunset, and hiking back in the dark. Thanks for sharing the report and pictures!
Posted by:
Brianjon on Jul 15, 2021 08:25 AM
LittleAngelsMollie on Spray Park
Definitely a sunrise shot. I was on trail by 3:30 am. There was another individual, a professional photographer, that headed up at 3am. I passed him in the lower meadow where he decided to set up for sunrise. I would bet this is a spectacular trail for sunset photography. I tend to be an early riser and unlikely be there for the sunset experience any time soon.
Posted by:
Mary&Mollie on Jul 15, 2021 08:54 AM
Brianjon on Spray Park
Thank you again, that's really helpful!
Posted by:
Brianjon on Jul 15, 2021 09:04 AM