September Hikes: 4 to 8 miles, 750 to 2,000 feet gain - Spray Park

We will meet at the Spray Park Trailhead at 8 am. This is a long drive, which includes at the end,  Mowich Lake Rd, which is a 17-mile graveled road to the trailhead. 

Parking Pass: Mt Rainier National Park entrance fee, $30. There is not a fee booth but you can pay at the machine at the Paul Peak Trailhead along the Mowich Lake Road. If you have either a Mt. Rainier parks pass or America the Beautiful Pass, you can display that instead. 

This trail is unique. It has lots of ups and downs with twists and turns. Along the way, we will stop at Spray Falls to admire and head up the steeper section to reach the subalpine meadows where we will break for lunch and begin our return to the trailhead. 

Expect this to be an all-day trip. Do not make plans for after as I cannot guarantee a time we will be done. We will stop for an after hike meal, (place TBD), which is optional, but always fun to do after a day at Rainier. 

Goals: 

• To visit Spray Falls and reach the subalpine meadows of Spray Park. 
• Foster community and belonging. 
• Lead and learn in a collaborative spirit.
• Foster compassion, understanding and curiosity with one another, and in nature.
• Have fun, be safe and enjoy one another's company.

Expectations:

• Commitment to arrive on time at the trailhead, prepared and ready to be social and enjoy the hike.
• Commitment to communicate with me for any concerns and/or questions before and during the trip.
• Commitment to having fun.
• The group will stay together. This means seeing a head in front and in back of you at all times. 

Style:

• Through actions and words, I lead through an inclusive lens.
• I foster community within the group.
• I lead a slower to moderate pace, allowing for flexibility between the two.  

More to come in the 'hello hiker' email that will be sent out a week before the trip.