Open Backpack - Berkeley Park

This will be a moderately paced trip from the Sunrise Visitor Center to the Berkeley Park Group Campsite.  After setting up camp there will be the option to explore further to Affi Falls (3/4 mi) or just relax in camp.

Here is a description of the trail: Berkeley Park — Washington Trails Association

https://www.gaiagps.com/public/901S09GaPIGUdtDNazgeZjlI/

Our goals will be to enjoy the trail, views, FLOWERS, and any wildlife we may see.  Please note that while we may have a beautiful wildflower display, the mosquitoes are also likely to be plentiful.

 *Leaders Permission Required*.  Participants should have recent backpacking experience with trips of 8+ miles with at least 2000 feet of gain.  Please make sure that the distance, elevation gain and pace are suitable for you.  By registering for the hike, you are committing yourself to reimburse the leader $11 for Mount Rainier NP wilderness campsite fees ($10 per night per person + $1 reservation fee).  You will also need a National Park Pass to enter the Park.  Fees are payable to the leader by cash, Venmo or Paypal at the time of registration and will only be refunded if your space is filled.

It is important to me to have participants who enjoy hiking in a group and have patience for others on the trip.

All campsites have privies and a bear pole.  Suggest participants bring food in an UrSack or Bear Canister just in case. No fires are permitted.

We will hike at a moderate 1.5- 2 mph pace, taking frequent breaks. We will stop for an extended lunch (~20 minutes) at Frozen Lake.  We will hike 4.7 miles to Berkeley Park Group Camp aiming to reach camp by 3pm; After a rest   we can go another 3/4 mile to Affi falls.   Tuesday, we plan to break camp around 9am to hike back out via a slightly alternate route and arrive back at the trailhead by noon and have lunch at the Visitor Center.  On the way back we can stop for Huckleberry milkshakes in Greenwater.

My style:  I consider hiking as nature therapy and love to revel in the beauty of nature with frequent stops to look at flowers, trees and views.   In the evenings I like to sit around a communal area and play games. If these sound like experiences you would enjoy, I’d love your company!

We will meet at the Enumclaw Ranger station at 9am to consolidate cars going to the trailhead.  Cars can be safely left there overnight.

We will drive to the White River Wilderness Information Center to pick up our permit and then drive to Sunrise visitor center to start our backpack trip.