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AUGUST 7-13, 2006
$998
Mary Coffin, Leader
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 Mt.
Rainier National Park, located in western Washington State, covers
235,625 acres and includes Mount Rainier (14,410'), an active volcano
encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice. Rainier receives
an average snowfall over 630". The park contains the largest
glacial system in the lower 48 states and outstanding examples of old
growth (rain) forests and wildflower displays in the subalpine
meadows. There are over 300 miles of foot trails.
Approximately 58 percent of the park is forested, 23 percent is
subalpine parkland, and the remainder is alpine, half of which is
vegetated and the other half consists of permanent snow and ice (i.e.
glaciers). Therefore we will experience a variety of ecosystems.We will stay in housekeeping cabins at Mounthaven Resort just 1/2 mile outside Rainier National Park. Cabins have bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms. Each day we will head out with day packs to a different trailhead and hike for the day stopping for lunch along the trail. In the late afternoon we will return to our cabins, hot showers, homemade dinner (ala Coffin) and a relaxing evening by a fire. Rental vans will provide transportation to and from Seattle airport and cabins and to each trailhead. Daily trips will be 4-8 miles RT in length with elevation gains up to 2000 feet. Although we will not be hiking on the glaciers, some parts of trails may be snow covered even in August. August is a prime time to observe wildflowers. (Tentative Itinerary) There will be photographic opportunities of majestic, snow capped Mt. Rainier, beautiful vistas (Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens), waterfalls, glacial lakes (tarns) and subalpine wildflowers. There are opportunities to view black tailed deer, red fox, elk, black bear, Douglas squirrels, marmots, pika, mountain goats and ptarmigan. Price of $998 ($75 nonrefundable) includes: Van transport between Seatac Airport and Mounthaven Resort, double occupancy for all participants in cabins (linens included) for 6 nights, 7 days, daily transport to/from trailheads, daily hiking led by Mary Coffin, meals starting with dinner on day 1 through dinner on day 6, breakfast and trail lunch spread daily, park entrance fees. Not included: airfare, alcohol/soda, extra snacks, and personal items. Single Supplement is $300. If you request a roommate every effort will be made to find you one of the same sex. If no roommate is available there will be a single supplement fee of $300. For more information and to sign up, contact the leader, Mary Coffin, 328 Deepsprings Road, Chittenango, NY 13037, telephone 315- 687-3589, E-mail mcoffin1@twcny.rr.com. |