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
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