8 nights, 9 days- August 20-28 - Started at White River. Clockwise direction.
Group of 8 - used group sites
Day 1 - Indian Bar. This is hands down, the best group sites on the trail. Rock built 3 sided shelter with bunks, water close, beautiful views.
Day 2 - Maple Creek. Close water source, very shaded and low canopy due to maple trees…hence the name :/
Day 3 - Longmire. Bit of washout on trail with a detour, but watch cairns and flags and had no problem. Got a room at lodge, shower, burger, meatloaf and blackberry crumble…omg so good.
Day 4 - South Puyallup. I loved this day, Emerald Ridge is so stunning, saw several bears, one at camp near toilets walking along colonnades.
Day 5 - North Puyallup. Short day, stopped at St Andrew’s lake for a swim and break, was breathtaking and refreshing. And the berries, so many berries. Great group site, one of my favorites, would definitely stay again.
Day 6 - Mowich Lake. Get water if needed at creek above South Mowich River about a 1/4 mile before reaching the river bed if needed. No water at SM camp. Long day, was concerned about crossing the Mowich river as a bridge had washed out. But was able to cross without much difficulty, did need some trail finding, but just follow flags, cairns and worn boot path and we had no trouble. Mowich lake was special this time, really no one there, and was simply quiet and pristine. 2 thumbs up!
Day 7 - Mystic Lake. This day is a grunt, so much elevation gain and loss. But another beautiful day regardless. Spray park off the hook beauty. Moraine park close to sunset and just gorgeous. Mystic group site nice, with plenty of space and close creek access. Lake is about a 3rd mile back from camp, so not convenient to go back forth from after long day.
Day 8 - Berkeley Park. Went off wonderland for the night, but this little camp site is stunning, with creeks and meadows, and herd of goats on ridge. Plenty of water in the valley.
Day 9 - hiked out to White River. This felt like a breeze. Stopped at Sunrise for a snack and a sticker, and out we went. Happy trails!
Comments