White Pass to Chinook Pass, Eastside Trail, Deer Creek to Tipsoo Lake & Three Lakes via Laughingwater Creek — Friday, Jul. 3, 2015

South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley

I hit the trail at 4:20 AM, with a full moon in the sky, and just a rumor of the sun in the east. The forecast called for 90 degree temperatures, maybe record type heat. I wanted to complete an approximately 32 mile loop, and get the exposed part of the trail done in the early part of the day, with the best morning light views of Mount Rainier. The Chinook Park loop, going clockwise, starting at Chinook Pass, goes on the Pacific Crest Trail, then to Laughingwater Creek Trail, and then up the Eastside Trail to Cayuse Pass and then Tipsoo Lake. On most days, the counterclockwise approach is probably better, to avoid a hard five mile climb at the end of the day. The PCT section of the trail was gorgeous, with fields of lupine lining the sides of the trail. Indian paintbrush, asters, daisies--the wildflowers are happening. The trail is unobstructed, and this section of the PCT doesn't present undo climbing. Dewey Lake and other lakes make for classic NW viewscapes. I saw a deer, kicked up a grouse, met a marmot. Mount Rainier views were terrific, and Mount Adams and Mt. St. Helens also showed up. Most of the PCT trail here is part of the William O. Douglas Wildernesss, named after the longest serving Supreme Court Justice, who hailed from this area, and hiked these trails. The Laughing Creek section is mostly downhill, with some roots here to step over. Generally shaded, with several more lakes, including Three Lakes. I didn't see a whole lot of the creek, but I heard it more as I descended. The trails all seem a little dry for this time of year, with creeks around, but not as many rivulets crossing the trail. By the time I got to the Eastside Trail, I was pretty bonked. The sun was high in the sky, and the trail didn't offer quite as much shade as I anticipated. Silver Falls was spectacular--the water is so clear, and the river rock so visible. The Eastside Trail parallels Chinook Creek, and seems lightly traveled, once past the Grove of the Patriarchs. The first five miles or so are gentle--perfect for a reflective walk in the woods. Past Deer Creek, the climb up to Cayuse Pass is tough, with some pitches going almost straight up over a deceptively short three miles. Each step was hard earned there. The climbing continued past Cayuse, on a quiet trail paralleling the pass road, to Tipsoo Lake. Tipsoo Lake is surrounded right now with wildflowers--mostly lupine, and is a great setting for taking pictures of Mount Rainier. A long day on trail, indeed, but it was terrific. Particularly the PCT section--a real delight to wander in the William O. Douglas Wilderness on such a clear day. Here's a link to more pictures and a writeup from Ye Olde Trail blog: http://scottyruns.blogspot.com/2015/07/chinook-pass-loop.html

More Information on this Trip Report

• http://scottyruns.blogspot.com/2015/07/chinook-pass-loop.html