Spray Park — Wednesday, Jul. 22, 2009

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich

Arrived at Mowich just after 8:00. Only 4 cars in parking lot, probably most were camping. The edge of the lake has patches of snow, but it’s melting quickly. I would assume it will be gone after this weekend. I took some photos of the lake and then hit the Spray Park trail. So many flowers, some I’ve never seen. I stopped at Eagle Cliff for the view and then headed up to Spray park. I skipped the falls today, I never seem to be able to photograph it right. The trail was the same as I remember except maybe a few more switchbacks. But worth every step once I arrived. Trail was muddy in many spots. I saw several backpackers today. Marmots were grazing and whistling enjoying the day. Bugs were mostly flies and they followed me up the trail but going down there was a nice breeze, not a problem. I wandered around tarns and areas I haven’t explored, enjoying the solitude planning my next trip there and where I will go. Saw a baby pika in the rocky area on the way down, so adorable! Then came the butterfly show. Did around 8 miles today 6 hours. Hike #62 of 2009 I will be back for Tolmie…. Oh, and I accidentally forgot to put my Rainer pass on my dash, remembered when I saw a ranger on the trail.. told him I forgot and hoped I wouldn’t get a ticket.. There was something on my window a reminder to pay or show my pass.. my bad..