July 7th is still the date for Mowich Lake Rd to open. The good news is that spring grading is complete!
I took the Grindstone trail up to Mowich Lake and then on to the Spray Park trail. Made a quick stop at Spray Falls.
In short, the last part of the Spray Park trail still has a ton of snow. Or should I say ice. 2 miles from the TH at Mowich Lake, is the first bit of snow. Shortly thereafter, the trail is 90% covered in ice. Microspikes weren’t helpful even though I put mine on.
It felt like a hockey rink just cleaned by a zamboni. Looking closer at the snow, it looks like there was a hail storm followed by rain and then a deep freeze. Not sure how long it will take for the ice to melt. I am personally going to give it a couple of weeks.
I stopped about 500 ft before the junction with Cataract Valley/Echo Rock trails. It was too steep and too icey. My personal opinion is that I needed crampons to continue. Ice ax as well. I turned around and enjoyed my hike back.
Navigation is definitely needed for those who are not familiar with the trail. For those who are familiar, the trail appears enough every 200-300 feet if you know where to look.
Of the 10% of that last mile that is not snow/ice covered, most of the trail is covered in water. It made for some great reflection shots for photography. Not great for hiking. I hiked with wet/muddy feet most of the day.
The first 2 miles of the Spray Park trail from Mowich Lake TH are in great shape. All blowdowns have been cleared. There is a little water on this section of the trail from the heavily flowing streams. Nothing difficult.
A small handful of avalanche lilies and red paintbrush just before the major snow.
Mowich Lake Rd is snow free as is the campground.
Grindstone trail has some boot sucking mud as I approached the last section up to the lake. Enough so that I would probably try to bike up to the lake if I decide to go back up before the gate opens.
I saw a couple of goats hanging out by Hessong Rock. That was it for wildlife today. No bear signs anywhere. There is a ton of very old cougar scat. I don’t think anyone has ever seen a cougar in the area during spring, summer or fall on this trail. No one should worry.
I did not see anyone on trail all day. I did see someone setting up camp at the CG on my way out.
Comments
Maddy on Spray Park, Grindstone Trail
Great scouting report. Thank you.
Posted by:
Maddy on Jun 23, 2023 02:01 PM
Mary&Mollie on Spray Park, Grindstone Trail
No problem!
Posted by:
Mary&Mollie on Jun 23, 2023 03:44 PM
mcguire_ep on Spray Park, Grindstone Trail
That's the way Spray Park should be enjoyed! OK, maybe add the bike...
Posted by:
mcguire_ep on Jun 23, 2023 02:56 PM
Mary&Mollie on Spray Park, Grindstone Trail
Seriously! I am usually not a big fan of just Spray Park alone unless I am passing through from somewhere else. Today, I really enjoyed having the entire place to myself. Even when I almost lost my trail runner in 4 feet of mud. :-)
Posted by:
Mary&Mollie on Jun 23, 2023 03:46 PM
stranogeorge on Spray Park, Grindstone Trail
Okay with crampons and axes I go. I’m heading up Monday morning and will likely stay closer to the lake Monday night before heading for the back country on Tuesday morning. I’m going to spend the night up above Spray Park if possible. Maybe just below if it’s not possible. I’m packed pretty light. I’m looking for an awesome sun set, full moon rise and ideally a nice fireworks display if I can hunker down with a good view to the North. Thanks for the great report.
Posted by:
stranogeorge on Jun 28, 2023 11:11 PM
Mary&Mollie on Spray Park, Grindstone Trail
You may be ok by Monday. We have had a ton of weather, both rain and warm temps. It may be melted out in the 10 days that I went and when you go. Although it's always nice to be safe. I do know a couple of people that are going up there this weekend. Watch trip reports this weekend for more potential melt. Happy trails!
Posted by:
Mary&Mollie on Jun 29, 2023 04:14 AM