Mount Beljica, Lake Christine — Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

I really enjoyed this hike! It also helped that I went on a clear sunny day (got lucky on that!). I did not encounter any snow, but the trail was muddy as you make your way around Lake Christine. I felt the trail was easy to follow and was clearly visible. Trekking poles and good hiking boots would really help especially as you get closer to the top---it's a bit of a climb and rocky. The views were amazing though, so worth it! Mt. Rainier was in full view (no clouds), and I was able to see Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens in the distance. There were a few bugs at the top of the mountain but not too bad. I didn't need to put on any bug spray. I'd definitely do this hike again! Finding Forest Rd 59 (Copper Creek Rd) was a little hard for me, as I'm not from this area. I did not see a sign for that road so I passed it about 3 times! On SR 706, the road is between mile marker 10 and mile marker 11. There is a stop sign (you see the back of the stop sign from SR 706), so that's a good marker. This road is quite bumpy. I also did not see a sign for Forest Rd 5920, but was able to find it using the driving directions, odometer and by following the contours of the road against my map. This road is even more bumpy and skinnier than FR 59.