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Field Trip 4 - Seattle Naturalists Intro Natural World Course

Field trip: Introduction to the Natural World Course

Field Trip 4 - Seattle Naturalists Intro Natural World Course - Comet Falls & Van Trump Park

Field trip #4 for Introduction to the Natural World offering the experience of multiple climatic zones and the trees, shrubs, wildflowers and wildlife that inhabits them.

Info
COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity.

Contacts

Bruce Barcklow
Bruce Barcklow
Primary Leader
  • Easy/Moderate
  • For Beginners (Getting Started Series)
  • Mileage: 5.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft

Meet at 9:30AM at the Comet Falls Parking lot.  Enter the park from the west via the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, 13.5 miles east of Elbe on State Route 706. Drive 10.2 miles to the Comet Falls Trailhead parking lot on the left. Parking is limited so please carpool. This is a popular trail, so be prepared for company. It is also popular with insects, so bring whatever you use to repel them.

We will be maintaining a reasonable, steady walking pace. Round trip will be up to 6 miles with nearly 1500 feet of elevation gain. Please be sure that you can handle this. Plan on being out for six or seven hours so bring plenty of water and food for a lunch stop. Trekking poles may be useful for some.

Route/Place

Comet Falls & Van Trump Park


  • Green Trails Mt Rainier West No. 269
    USGS Mt Rainier West
    Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Field guides, binoculars.

Ten essentials including sunscreen.

 

Trip Reports