Union Creek, Norse Peak & Fog City — Thursday, Aug. 5, 1999

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

We began our 3 day backpack trip at Chinook Pass and headed north on the Pacific Crest Trail. Some snow at trailhead and again just below Sheep Lake. Meadows and full bloom and trail in good shape. Encountered a large steep snowfield just beyond Sourdough Gap and my niece, Rachel, and I promptly tumbled and slid down it while the guys were able to foot ski down. From there on only minor snow crossings and a few down trees. Still enough snow to have regular water supply. A thunderstorm threatened all afternoon and hit with full force after dark while we were camped below Bear Gap. Saturday we detoured off the crest trail via 967 and 967A in order to avoid some steep north-facing slopes that we feared would have too much snow. This meant extra elevation gain and loss. 967 quite steep and rocky, makes a good stream bed in places. Rejoined Crest Trail at Pickhandle Gap and left it again taking 956 (Union Creek) to avoid more snow. Found a couple of steep gullies full of snow and rock but all passable. Met up with trail 987 and took it through Cement Basin. This area all melted out with the trail disappearing in the middle of some small ponds and climbing steeply back out of the basin. Made camp the second afternoon in bowl above Basin Lake. Still plenty of running water here. Crawled into our tents just before the thunder, rain and hail began. Saw goats, elk and deer in the area. Sunday followed Crest Trail north to intersection with Norse Peak trail and hiked it up to ridge then out to Norse Peak trailhead. Ridge and meadows near Norse Peak melting out rapidly and trail no problem to follow. Total route 16.5 miles, gain ~3000ft, loss ~4700ft.