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AUGUST 7-13, 2006
$998
Mary Coffin, Leader
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Tentative Itinerary
Weather and snow pack may affect trail conditions especially at higher elevations. Daily Plan: 7:30 am breakfast, 8:30 am hikes depart, 4-5:00 pm return to cabins, 6:30 pm dinner, 7:30 prep for next day, enjoy relaxing, storytelling, campfire. Day 1-Monday, August 7, 2006 Arrive before 3:00pm at SeaTac Airport, Seattle, WA. Meet group and take van (2.5 hour ride) to Mounthaven Resort, just outside the Park. 7:00 pm Dinner and orientation. Day 2-Tuesday, August 8, 2006 Narada Falls to Paradise, Jackson Visitor Center, Nisqually Glacier Vista Loop and/or Avalanche Lily Loop and back to Narada Falls. Expect to see several spectacular waterfalls, alpine meadows, many wildflowers, views of the Nisqually Glacier and the Visitor Center (displays, videos, book/gift shop) and Rainier! Total: 5 mi. RT, 1000' elevation gain, max elevation 5400'. Day 3-Wednesday, August 9, 2006 Pinnacle Saddle Trail (3.6 mi. RT, 1,055' elev. gain) and Reflection Lakes High Loop Trail (3 mi. RT, 600' elev. gain). Expect to see: the best view of Rainier from the south, alpine meadows, wildflowers, Artist Pool (a glacial tarn), Faraway Rock, Lake Louise, Reflection Lakes, The Tatoosh Range and Steven's Canyon as well as black tailed deer. Total: 7 mi. RT, 1100' elevation gain, max elevation 5,920'. Day 4-Thursday, August 10, 2006 Skyline Loop from Paradise to Panorama Point. There is a strenuous climb at the beginning, switchbacks and the possibility of snow on the upper trail. Expect to see: outstanding views of the best scenery Paradise can offer- below you, glaciers, waterfalls (Sluiskin and Myrtle)), Camp Muir turn off, views of Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens, Goat Rock and wildflowers and marmots, pika, mountain goats and ptarmigan. Total: 6 mi. RT, 1700' elevation gain, max elevation 7,100'. Day 5-Friday, August 11, 2006 (or rainy day alternative) Longmire Museum, 1.Carter and Madcap Falls or 2. Rampart Ridge Loop to Wonderland Trail. Expect to see: giant conifers (Douglas Fir, red cedar, Western hemlock), views of Rainier, waterfalls and streams with deep pools and possibly black tailed deer, red fox, elk, black bear and Douglas squirrels. Dinner is out tonight, included. Total: 3- 6 mi. RT, 600'-1340' elevation gain, max elevation 4,080'. Day 6-Saturday, August 12, 2006 Visit the other side of the park, Sunrise Visitor Center, the highest point reached by vehicle. Option 1: Frozen Lake Trail via Sourdough Trail to Fremont Lookout Tower (5.4 mi. RT 781' gain, max 7,200') or Option 2: Emmons Glacier Basin Trail (6.2mi. RT, 1,650' gain, max 6000'). Expect to see: wildflowers, mountain goats, marmots, mining artifacts, and (1) views of Mts. Rainier and Fremont, green glacial lake/tarn, fire tower or (2) Steamboat Prow, Emmons glacier is the largest, by volume, in the lower 48 states. Farewell Dinner, pack for return flight. Day 7-Sunday, August 13, 2006 8:00 am Load van and depart for SeaTac airport, 3 hour ride with quick breakfast stop enroute at own expense. Plan flights after 12:00 pm. Return to Outing Description. |