A 10+ mile detour to White River Ranger Station to get a walk-in wilderness camping permit.
The ranger is quite funny.
There were 2 parties before me, both just picking up permits, so I didn't have to wait too long.
Odd, no restroom here.
Mowich Lake TH is very busy. A campground. Multiple trails start from here. A lot of cars. We had to park pretty far away. Spray Park is always a delight. Falls color is coming nicely. Quite some huckleberries to pick. Many hikers here. On the way, a short detour to see Spray Falls. Still has plenty of water.
After setting up the tents, we headed to Observation Rock (8228').
On the way, a lot less snow than last time (early Aug).
It was an easier walking earlier in the season, now, a little treacherous on the glacier.
Lots of crevasses, with water in them. Flett Glacier is pretty thin, so if you fall in, can probably climb out before your muscles freeze.
Micro-spikes help me steady my footsteps.
Once on Flett Glacier, the view is splendid.
Passing Echo Rock (I climbed it last time), turn right on to a steeper scree slope.
Once on top, it iss easier walking all the way to the bottom of the rocks.
Then, it's an easy and short scramble.
The summit offers a tremendous up-close view of Mt. Rainier, Russel Glaicer to the north, and Mowich Glacier to the sound, and many smaller hills and peaks all around.
Oh, yes, and the smoke to the east!
On the way back, we happened upon a beautiful sunset (probably due to the fire).
The sky was painted flaming red.
We sat down on rocks and waited for the sun to dip down, before scrambling back to camp.
All day, we didn't see anyone, once we turned off Wonderland Trail.
The night wasn't as cold as last weekend. My 0°F bag was too warm.
9/25, Sunday.
Going back on Wonderland Trail only for a little bit.
Headed up to Mount Pleasant via its west ridge. The trail was steep getting up to the ridge.
Tons of beargrass flower stalks. Need to come here in July (?) when they bloom.
We turned right (north) to Mount Pleasant (6440'). You can turn left to scramble up to Hessong Rock (6385').
At Mt Pleasant, I scouted left for a route to East Fay. The ridge is too rocky, not good with a full pack.
We continued on the trail NE, and then cut down to the trail to Knapsack Pass (part of the Mother Mountain Loop).
The view of Mist Park below, and the Cataract Creek headwater basin is beautiful.
The "dotted" trail goes through the Cataract headwater basin (~6000').
Quite a few hikers are doing the loop, but most are looping clockwise to Spray Park, opposite of our direction.
Going up Knapsack Pass (~6200') is a rock scramble at the base of the steep hill.
Once you find the trail, it's easier going on the zigzag.
You get to see Mowich Lake from the pass.
Going down, great fall color. Steep trail, but good trail.
Soon, get into the trees, and soon that's Mowich Lake.
Made a stop to wash at this small beach.
Paddleboards add nice color on the lake.
Walked the road back to the car.
A fabulous weekend.
