Day Hike - Indian Henry's Hunting Ground

Trip

Day Hike - Indian Henry's Hunting Ground

Visit one of the loveliest meadows on The Wonderland Trail at Mt. Rainier National Park. This early fall hike is one of our graduation hikes for our Conditioning Hiking Students but all Mountaineers are invited to join in for this spectacular and scenic hike.

  • Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 14.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft
  • Pace: 2 mph

7:00 am Eatonville Visitor Center: All will meet and greet at the Eatonville Visitor Center 132 Mashel Ave N. Eatonville, WA 98328, gear shift then caravan to the trailhead. There is limited cell service at the Kautz Creek Trailhead to Indian Henrys. 

***PARK PASS: All vehicles continuing to the park, must have an America the Beautiful pass or military or senior pass; you may be asked for your photo ID so have it handy.

This hike is mostly tree covered and can be a bit challenging in the beginning, with close to 3500' gain over the first number of miles. Eventually the trail becomes exposed with great views of the Nisqually Valley, Tatoosh range and eventually Rainier. We may even find some lingering blueberries available for a treat along the way.

PLEASE NOTE: the limited water source this time of year and all participants will need to carry at least 2L of water and have had successfully dayhiked a 3000' gain with at least 8-10 miles within the last few weeks.

When we reach Indian Henrys Patrol Cabin, we will take a longer break for lunch and we might decide to hike over to Mirror Lakes and addition roundtrip of 2-3 miles and minimal elevation. It is very pretty there with the changing fall colors in the meadows and worth looking at with the reflection of the mountain. I’ll let our group decide. 

We should be back to the cars around 4 pm at the latest if we do this side trip up the trail. From my experience usually around September with cooler temps I am feeling pretty energetic to tackle a bit more.

GEAR: Please reread the Required Equipment Tab on the initial trip description page There could be a few minor changes. It is recommend to have trekking poles, moisture wicking layered clothing, boots, sun and bug protection.  

Route/Place

Kautz Creek


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection (insect repellent or otherwise)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing) moisture wicking layered clothing. My hands were cold this past week at above tree line. Maybe lightweight gloves, hat, and/or sit pad.
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools, including knife
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water) at least 2L minimum. I will bring a pump water filter to share.
  10. Emergency shelter
  11. Trekking poles recommended.
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