Day Hike - Wonderland Trail Loop-Ipsut Pass/Mowich Lake/Spray Park

Leader's notes One of the premier wildflower hikes on earth! Plus The Mountain close enough to touch. This hike covers two alternate routes of the Wonderland Trail and one of the best. See GT#269, Mt Rainier West. We will begin at Mowich Lake CG (4900'), circle southeast up to Spray Park and Seattle Park (high point 6400'), then descend to the Carbon River. We'll follow the river NW to Ipsut Falls (2600') where we'll join the Ipsut Creek trail and climb to the Eunice Lake/Tolmie Peak trail junction (5100'). If we're moving briskly enough, we'll take the 2-mile side trip to the lake and lookout, or otherwise keep going down the Wonderland back to our starting point at Mowich Lake. Total miles 17-20 depending on the side trip. Due to the mileage and elevation gain involved, this trip is for well conditioned hikers who prefer, and are prepared for, a steady 2-3 mph pace with few rest stops. The Mountain always delivers uncertain weather so be prepared with raingear and layers (non-cotton of course!). I recommend trekking poles to save the joints on the steep downhills. More details on carpooling will be worked out as the date approaches.

Meeting place and time 8:00 at Spray Park trailhead (Mowich Lake CG)