The book 50 Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park (Spring & Manning) describes the lower portion of this hike as "one of the finest forest trails" in the park, so Eagle-eyed Mary and I decided to try it.
When we arrived at the bridge over Huckleberry Creek on FS 73, it was obvious this was a trail less traveled. There was no TH sign. We crossed a small grassy area below the road, headed for the creek, and then saw the trail on our left.
For the first couple hours it was cool, so there were no bugs; but as the temperature warmed, they emerged in clouds. Bug spray, long sleeves and long pants kept the pesky critters at bay:
O skeeters, please don't walk with us,
the hikers did beseech.
and all you biting blackflies, please
stay safely out of reach.
We cannot take too many more,
so listen to our speech.
The trail keeps close to the pretty creek, with gentle ups and downs. The water was running fast, with many small rapids. We enjoyed being in the shade. We crossed tributary streams and bogs; some of the log bridges need work or replacement, but we think we saw at least one new bridge that probably is WTA's work from 2011.
There are many old-growth trees along the route. You have to bend your neck way back to see the tops of the impressive Douglas firs. And yes, there are huckleberry bushes too.
We didn't reach Forest Lake, but we were gaining elevation when time constraints made us turn around.
The trail is overgrown in many places; one short section disappeared under a dense cover of devil's club. We didn't see any other people all day; just a frog and a few wrens. Definitely unusual for Mt. Rainier NP.
Perhaps if more people hike this trail, it will get a new TH sign.
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