Union Creek, Mesatchee Creek — Thursday, May. 28, 2009

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Union Creek to Falls & Mesatchee Creek Chinook Pass area Today I was scoping out campsites for next weekend and threw in these two hikes. I didn’t see a sole on the trails today. Chinook pass is still covered in snow and only saw two skiers in Naches Loop area. Union Creek to Falls is fantastic, smells wonderful right now, only small patches of snow at the trailhead and then nothing after that. You have to forge a log to get to otherside, which made my heart jump a little going over, and water rose quite a bit on my way back. Wildflowers are starting to poke out. I caught a rainbow in the falls. Water is really rushing over falls right now, lovely area, I didn’t do the whole loop, but I was probably pretty close. Hiked a couple of hours and turned around. For the first time ever I used my i-pod for return trip, it was nice. I usually start counting my steps, and singing was much better I discovered.. Next was Mestachee Creek There is more snow in this area, but nothing too difficult, it’s melting fast. I was not sure of the area but read there was a falls on this side, I never did find it. But got another 2 hours or so in and didn’t see a sole or any wildlife. A few trillium in the area and 3 huge ant hills. River was gushing. Very nice day to be out. Next I am hitting Crystal Lakes. If anyone has been here, please tell me snow conditions of trail. I saw 2 cars there today so I know people are hitting it.