We did this trip on a Saturday (Washington Trail Day, apparently) and it was pretty crowded up until Seattle Park. I prefer more solitary hikes but Spray Park more than made up for it. Even though it was a warm sunny day, there were many mosquitoes in Spray Park and Seattle Park. You'll definitely want bug spray. A section of the Wonderland trail (Carbon Glacier-Ipsut Creek) is closed. You have to cross over the extension bridge go downstream from there. Not a bad detour but it should be mentioned. If a lot of elevation change is difficult for you, consider making this an overnight trip.

Did the Mother Mountain loop counter clockwise starting at Mowich Lake TH with an overnight stay at Ipsut Camp. The segment from Mowich up to Spray Park is packed full of wildflowers and minor annoyance from mosquitos. As others have reported, there are a couple of 100' long, simple and consolidated snowfields to cross but no traction was necessary. The segment into Seattle park and down into Cataract Valley was also in terrific shape. I was surprised how steep this segment is going down into Cataract and was glad to be headed counter clockwise. The segment along the Carbon River, across the suspension bridge and along the Wonderland to Ipsut Camp is in excellent shape and no bugs. It was a great night at Ipsut which was 3/4 full; typical of a Saturday night in August. The outhouses are getting hammered & pretty stinky but otherwise the camp is in great shape. Sunday AM, I headed up to Ipsut pass. The first two miles are a gentle ascent through the woods along Ipsut Creek. Then comes the final 1-1/2 miles to the pass which is talus/screen slope switchbacks which are pretty steep and rocky. However, I was spurred on by fantastic views, wildflowers, and perfectly ripe salmon berries and blueberries. The thimble berries are still ripening. With a belly full of berries, I reached the pass. And just like magic, the trail instantly becomes a gently sloping forest trail down to Mowich. This segment is so easy and clear, one could do it barefoot. All in all a great 26 hours in MRNP.

We left Mowich Lake on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Since we could only get permits to camp at Ipsut Creek (6 miles into the loop), we decided to hike to Eunice Lake and Tolmie Peak Lookout on the way. This detour added about 5.5 miles. Camping at Ipsut Creek was lovely. The broad riverbed of the Carbon River was just 200 yards from our side. Back up the trail was the Ipsut Falls which were a beautiful source of fresh water. We accessed both from our campsite for adventure and water (only get water from Ipsut Creek as the Carbon River is full of sediment that the ranger said would clog your filter quickly). Waking up Sunday morning, we had 11 miles back to Mowich lake. The second day was a little grueling. You leave the Wonderlands Trail at a suspension bridge. Crossing the Bridge you start onto the Spray Park Trail. At the peak of the hike back to Mowich Lake you pass into the snow like where large snow fields still cover the trail. The area is barren and treeless. I was a little frightened at moments because the trail was very hard to find in the misty fog. I wish the WTA or Rangers would do more work to mark this trail so that amateur hikers could feel safe. Nevertheless, we were warned by the Ranger when we picked up our permit that Sunday could be foggy and difficult for the pass. Once you are over the pass (I think it's Eagles Roost, maybe), you start to decent out of the snow quickly and Seattle Park opens up to you. It is gorgeous. I honestly liked it better than Spray Park. We sat by a cool brook and watched field mice scurry by while we enjoyed a lunch and hot cocoa. The hike from Spray Park as all down hill and very calm. It was nice to begin seeing day hikers again, but I'll be honest, by Spray Park we were moving pretty quickly. Feet were aching and the 21 mile hike (since we added on Eunice Lake) was taking its toll. In all the Spray Park Look was the most beautiful Washington hike I've taken.

We did the loop counter-clockwise and I would highly recommend it as the ascent from the Carbon River to Spray Park is very long, poorly graded, and much of it is exposed. Spray Park is currently in full bloom. Beautiful lupine and more paintbrush than I have ever seen in one spot. We also saw lots of butterflies. Most of the snow has melted out but there are a few patches as you top out and again as you begin to descend. They are easy to cross. Follow the boot trails and look for the cairns and yellow spray painted rocks. Also, look for mountain goats up there in the rocky terrain. We saw one cross not far in front of us. As others have noted, the section of the Wonderland Trail between Carbon Camp and Ipsut Creek is washed out. Follow the sign that directs you over the suspension bridge and down the river on the opposite bank. After a beautiful walk through huge old trees the trail will take you back across the river through a series of log bridges and sandy/rocky terrain. We camped at Ipsut Creek and hiked out the next morning. Don't miss the short side trail to the enchanting Ipsut Creek Falls. It is just pass the turn off to Ipsut Creek Camp and worth the short detour. The climb out of the valley takes you through a gorgeous and lush forest. Do be bear aware. Many passing hikers told us of rumored bear sighting. This section of forest is full of huckleberries. We saw a few piles of fresh scat and we heard a bear cub calling not far from the trail! The trail meanders along the noisy creek and because of this the bears may not be able to hear you approaching. Make extra noise and pay attention (especially with cubs around!). The last stretch to Ipsut Pass is a tough climb. The trail is rocky and exposed (It switchbacks up an avalanche shoot) but the views are stunning, as are the wildflowers along the way. We were very thankful for the patchy shade along the way! This loop makes a lovely one night outing. However, I would not recommend it as a day hike unless you are a very strong and experienced hiker. If you try for a wilderness permit, get to the Carbon Ranger station early. We arrived 45 mins before opening and 4 other parties had already arrived.

I set out originally just for Spray Park, but then I kept going and going and decided to do the loop. I think counter clockwise is a good way to do the loop so you are facing Rainier in the Spray Park area, it would be tough having it at your back. Spray Park is at or close to peak, flowers are everywhere and it's just stunning. The trail is in great shape, no blowdowns the whole way and only a couple of muddy spots. Not much snow and there are clear booth paths. Above Spray Park it can be a little tricky to find the trail, but there are plenty of cairns to follow. A section of the Wonderland is out along the Carbon River, so you'll need to cross the river twice, including once on the suspension bridge. There were hiker reports of a bear and cubs in this area, but I only saw scat on the trail. Someone said they crossed on the suspension bridge, what a sight that would have been! The push up to Ipsut Pass is steep and it doesn't help that it comes at the end of a long hike. At least it was full of wild flowers, especially towards the top. Reaching the top was rewarding and the downhill portion back to Mowich a nice way to end. This is a wonderful loop that covers so many different ecosystems that it doesn't even seem real (old growth forest, alpine meadows, subalpine, snow and rock fields and even a rain forest!). WA and Rainier National Park are special places.