Glacier Basin — Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009

Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River

A glorious day at the base of Mount Rainier! First mile of trail was obliterated by November 2006 floods, but new path is clearly flagged. Requires more scrambling over rocks than the old highway, though, so this trail is perhaps a bit harder for casual hikers than it used to be. After the first mile, the old tread is regained and we hit Glacier Basin just before lunch. There's been quite a bit of recent (black) bear activity, as evidenced by a tree at the entrance to the campsite that had about three feet of bark stripped away and VERY visible claw marks! (The log of bear activity and the two rangers who where there to "condition" the bear were also strong hints!) Regardless, we enjoyed a lovely (and bear-free) lunch while gazing up at the looming mountain above.