Basic Backpack - Grand Park & Lake Eleanor

Group Expectations:

-Stay together

-Communicate your needs

-Agree to Leave No Trace Policy

-Have fun

**All food and toiletries must be hung on designated bear poles. Bear canisters recommended by park but there are hang poles for food, toiletries and smells. NO SOAP even biodegradable of any kind can be used per Mt. Rainier National Park rules.

***Be prepared for all weather conditions. Read expanded gear list in Required Equipment for the listing.

Proposed Trip:

Day #1 Sunrise to Mt Fremont Lookout-Berkley Park Group Camp. 6.11 miles +2001/-1209. We will start our day at Sunrise. Meet-up and head to Mt. Fremont Fire Lookout. Mt. Fremont has a fabulous view of Rainier and the northern border of the park on the Northern Loop Trail. After lunch at Fremont, we will head mostly down through gorgeous wildflowers and next to Lido Creek. Being much quieter here, bears and wildlife are often seen through this area. We'll make camp at Berkeley Park Group site, have dinner and settle in for the evening. 

Day #2 Berkley Park to Grand Park-Lake Eleanor Group Camp. 6.2 miles +816/-1404. We will begin our day around 8:00 am, have breakfast, break camp and continue on the Northern Loop Trail. This is a shorter day which will begin with taking in a grand view of Rainier across the White River from high on ridge. Next, we'll head through lovely Grand Park, known for elk and more wildlife. We'll stop for lunch at a scenic spot along Grand Park. (The main photo is a picture of Rainier from Grand Park.) We'll make camp at Lake Eleanor Group site, take a break to get water, make camp, have dinner and a leisurely evening. 

Day #3 Lake Eleanor to Sunrise. 9.9 miles +2600/-1100. We'll plan to get up around 8:00 am, have breakfast, break camp and make our way back through Grand Park and back to Sunrise. This is where our trip ends but you have options to continue with a day hike in the Sunrise area across Sourdough Ridge or Burroughs.  

Preference to Tacoma Branch Introduction to Backpacking Students.
Trip will open to all Mountaineers based on availability on April 28.

TBD or another point emailed to participants. After introductions, we will gear shift to carpools then caravan to the TH. 

Carpool Information: Riders are requested to reimburse driver for carpool.

******Permit Fee: Each Participant will be asked to pay an additional $21 to cover their cost for the permit.