American Ridge — Friday, Aug. 1, 1997

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

I know I was just at Mesatchee Creek, it was on the way here. Left my camp at the creek at 9:30 and made my up from 5200' at camp to the intersection with the American Ridge trail at 5800'. Headed off NE on trail 958 in pursuit of the sky. After climbing some more ( what else ) I found myself losing elevation very rapidly and much to my disappointment as I hadn't reached the summit yet. Not to worry, this goes on for about a mile and then reverses itself with a vengance. About the time the trail gives a momentary respite and levels ' out, turn and look over your left shoulder. Rainier is spectacular from this vantage point. Not far up the trail from here I was startled by what I at first thought were horses. I had run headlong into a herd of Mountain Goats. We saw each other at about the same time. They gave me the trail such as it was and skirted around me making their way down the way I had come. I had my camera in hand and was able to get a few shots before, what else, the film ran out. Made the top of the ridge at noon, map shows 6946'. The view from up here must be seen to be appreciated, and I had it all to myself for a little while. I met only one other person the whole day. A girl and her dog happened upon me back at my original campsite at Mesatchee Creek. She decided it was too late to go any further that day and headed back down . I made my way back to the forde (wade) of the American River which I credited with my solitude and headed for home after a long and enjoyable weekend. Oh yeah the trails are in good shape with only patches of snow to be found all the way to the top of the ridge.