Backpack - Northern Loop (Mount Rainier)

Wonder abounds on this epic route in the northeast corner of Mt Rainier National Park, especially during wildflower season. We will approach it with an unhurried pace, stay open to what the trail has in store, and prioritize downtime on trail or at camp for reflection and connection. That said, it is a strenuous route with some technical and seasonal challenges. Participants should be comfortable with day-over-day mileage/elevation and have prior experience with multi-night backpacking trips. 

Leader permission requests will be accepted starting May 15. See instructions below. Requests received before May 15 will be disregarded. Intermediate backpacking course folks with leader permission may register starting May 27. Other members with leader permission may register starting June 1. Anyone who registers without leader permission will be removed from the roster.

Day 1 Sunrise to James Camp

11.3 miles, +2700’/-4500’

We will get a very early start from Sunrise. Exact time TBA, but it will be no later than 7:30AM and probably earlier. We will be starting from one of the busiest areas of the park on one of its busiest weekends of the year and during a year when park staff and resources will be stretched to their max.

After hitting our high point (of the entire route) just out of the parking lot, today will be a lot of downhill. We will be passing through the most exposed (weather) trails of the day early on. Berkeley Park and Grand Park should be abuzz with flowers. Many unobstructed views of the Mountain. 

Our biggest challenge of the day might be the West Fork White River, which we will be crossing during peak runoff, and where bridges are notoriously difficult to keep in place. Hikers should be prepared with sturdy water crossing shoes and a collaborative, safety-first attitude. 

Our biggest hill of the day is +1100’ in the last mile or so up to James Camp.

Day 2 James Camp to Carbon River Camp

6.7 miles, +2400’/-3500

Our biggest hill of the day will be right out of the gate +1400’ in 2 miles to get to Windy Gap. From Windy Gap there are multiple side trip options, including the Tyee Peak saddle (the summit is a scramble, which we will not attempt) and the Natural Bridge Trail, which is not worth a RT 25 mile day hike from a trailhead, but is an interesting feature to check out if you’re in the neighborhood.

After exploring and/or lingering around Windy Gap and Yellowstone Cliffs to our satisfaction, we’ll descend to the Carbon River, crossing the famous suspension bridge just before camp. The suspension bridge, while not as tall as its sister over at Tahoma Creek, sits high above the raging river, bounces as you cross one at a time, and has been known to have slats go missing. Crossing has no athletic or technical challenge, but may be an emotional challenge for some hikers (photos).

Day 3 Carbon River Camp to Mystic Camp

4.75 miles, +3200/-800

After crossing the suspension bridge again, today will be one big uphill push – +3000’ in 3.5 miles – as we skirt along the flank of the Carbon Glacier. This is the third largest glacier on Tahoma, by area, but the largest by volume and has the lowest terminus of any glacier in the lower 48 states. 

When we reach our high point at Moraine Park, there is an optional side trip to explore the boot trail that goes up toward Curtis Ridge to unknown reward. This will be our last view of Tahoma for the day as we descend to Mystic Lake behind Mineral Mountain. 

Day 4 Mystic Camp to Sunrise

8.5miles, +3000’/-2100

Perhaps the “meatiest” day of the trip, we’ll start with an easy downhill to skirt the Wintrhop Glacier. The Winthrop Creek crossing is upstream of our Day 1 crossing and may also require some rock-hopping or water shoe-wearing. Our big hill of the day will take us up 2000’ in 3 miles to Skyscraper Pass, which makes for a great lunch spot and optional summit of Skyscraper Peak. 

The trail will take one last dip down below Burroughs Mountain before the infamous Frozen Lake intersection and final miles to the car. Hopefully the commissary will be open on Tuesday and we can enjoy some beer and ice cream at Sunrise.

Notes about camp:

• We have the group site at all camps, but hikers should still be comfortable sharing limited space and potentially doubling up tent pads.
• MRNP luxuriously has bear poles at every backcountry camp so a waterproof sack should be sufficient for food hangs; odor-proof or rodent-resistant bags are recommended.
• There are also toilets at every backcountry camp, but noting the severe cuts to the NPS this year, nothing is guaranteed. If we confirm that any camps will be without toilets, hikers should be prepared to pack out poop.
• There are myriad water sources, however some of our obvious water sources will be glacier-fed and some may be rather stagnant, so hikers should plan for possible extra exertion upon arrival at camp to find an adequate spot to pump or filter. 
• This will be peak wildflower season, and with that comes pollinators! Beware of bugs. 

Goals, Expectations, & Style

Curious if this trip would be a good fit for you? Please read through these carefully and consider how closely they align with the way you like to experience an outdoor adventure.

Trip Goals

• Avoid injury
• Come home safely, even if that means we don’t complete the trip as planned
• Minimize our impact on the park infrastructure, other users, and the natural world
• Enjoy a beautiful and challenging route at a pace that allows for side trips and leisurely breaks with all travel during daylight hours. 
• Enjoy downtime in camp and the camaraderie of a multi-day trip

Participant Expectations

• Have the fitness required for this trip’s daily mileage and elevation gain with a 4-day pack at an easy/moderate pace of 1-1.5 mph uphill and 1.5-2.5 mph downhill.
• Be comfortable with adjusting plans and maintain a kind and collaborative attitude through challenging conditions or situations.
• Communicate any concerns, illness, injury, or issues to the group leader before they become serious. This may include issues that arise before the trip that would impact ability to be successful.
• Be confident on the terrain and with possible challenges of this route at this time of year, including a high-flow river crossing, a very tall suspension bridge, under-resourced infrastructure, intense mosquitoes, inclement weather, and bear encounters. 
• Travel as one group (or two, when the co-leaders can split up) and stay within voice distance of the group. 
• Abide by decisions made by the group or the trip leader, even if they don’t align with your individual goals.

Travel Style

• Take the opportunities for side trips or long breaks at viewpoints as they arise
• Respect folks who prefer to chat on the trail and folks who prefer to be quiet; ideally everyone on this trip prefers a mix of both. 
• Headphones ok, but still be able to hear voices when needed for safety or collaboration (e.g. "we're taking a break" or “hey look, a bear!”)
• Sit together during dinner, potentially at a spot a short walk from camp if there is a viewpoint (or respite from bugs)
• Quiet time at 9:30pm
• Agree upon a boots-on-trail time each evening, and hikers adjust their own morning routine accordingly

Leader Permission

This is a bucket-list trail for many people, and ensuring preparedness and style compatibility are important for a successful trip that minimizes our impact! Please respond to the questions below in your email:

• Have you read the complete posting, including all the leader notes, goals, expectations, travel style, and required equipment? Are you committed to starting and completing the trip as described?
• Does any part of the participant expectations cause you concern? Is any part of the travel style different than your preferred style? Please explain.
• We intend to keep the group together at a pace of 1-2.5 mph. This may feel slow to some people and fast to others. What do you think about this pace? 
• What trips have you taken in the last 12 months that have prepared you for a trip like this? 
  For each trip, please provide: mileage, elevation, number of days, and the maximum distance/gain you had in a single day
• What activities do you participate in for winter and spring conditioning? 
• Do you have experience with challenging river crossings? Please explain.

We will be on the traditional land of the Puyallup and other Coast Salish tribes and acknowledge that they have lived on and stewarded these lands since the beginning of time, and continue to do so today. In choosing to recreate here, we will do so respectfully, mindful to subvert any attitude of conquest.

TBA. Anticipate an early morning start.

Everyone should bring $30 to cover the cost of the camping permit reservation (cash or venmo ok). Gas costs should be shared within each carpool, as well as park entry fee ($30) if nobody in the car has an America the Beautiful pass.