Backpack - Grand Park (Mount Rainier)

730am in Enumclaw at the US Forest Service Ranger Station.  We'll caravan to the trailhead.

Due to state and Mountaineers guidelines carpooling is discouraged except among members of the same household.

In addition to the trip description be sure to read the "COVID-90 NOTES" below before signing up.

Due to rapidly changing guidance from the State and Mountaineers regarding overnight trips, the registration date for this trip has been moved back to June 29.

About The Trip

We will start at the “Lake Eleanor back door” entrance to Rainier NP, hike the entire length of Grand Park, and spend the night at the Berkeley Park group site.  Though it’s hard to predict when the peak bloom will happen, with luck we will be there while the wildflowers are out.

Though Grand Park itself is flat there is some gain before and after, so this route is moderate not easy.  We will be there to enjoy the views and the experience, so will target an easy-to-moderate pace of around 1.5 - 2.0 mph with overnight packs.  Saturday: 5.4 miles, 1470' gain, 700' loss.   Sunday: 5.4 miles,  700' gain, 1470' loss.

This trip is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things be aware of:

• This trip is in bear country. Please bring one or two extra stuff sacks for hanging your food and other bear-favorites (sunscreen, etc.) to hang from the bear poles provided by the Park Service.
• There will likely be bugs.  Wildflowers bloom in early season and so do the bugs - it’s the price we pay for camping where the flowers are. Be sure to bring bug repellent and consider bringing a head net to keep the bugs away while in camp.  Hopefully we will not need them, but best to be prepared.
• The road to the trailhead is not part of Rainier NP and may be rough.  A high clearance vehicle is recommended.

COVID-90 NOTES

• This is a Phase 2 trip.
• All participants must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct.
• Participants are limited to no more than one trip per week, or multiple trips with the same roster (as per WA guidelines to limit exposure to no more than 5 people outside your household per week).
• All participants must bring hand sanitizer and a mask that you can quickly raise and lower as needed on the trail (usually a bandana).
• This trip is open only to those who live local within 125 miles of the Lake Elinor Trailhead (along highway 410 near the Sunrise entrance to Rainier NP).
• The trip will be updated if County guidelines change in advance of the trip.