Huckleberry Creek — Thursday, Sep. 10, 2009

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Our group leader talked about Huckleberry Creek trail at Sunrise; with the wonderfully balmy weather we jumped at his suggestion, having often wondered about this trail. The TH is at the junction with Sourdough Ridge & begins with a short climb then descends for 1/2 mile before steep switchbacks lead into a rocky basin. Poles are good. The terrain soon changes to lush meadows with ripe huckleberries at every bend in the trail, descending through forest to reach the lake at 2.5 miles. Picturesque Forest Lake has an established camp site, bear wire and privy. With a stream nearby, it's a perfect late summer, bug-free destination for new backpackers & kids. We enjoyed our lunch break then continued for another mile or so down the trail before turning around, and were thrilled to spot a large buck through the trees. One stream crossing has a broken log bridge, though easy to cross this time of year. The trail continues for some 5 more miles to the park boundary ... another time perhaps. The hike is a nice workout, we clocked about 2400 ft gain, most on the way out. Map... GT 270 Mount Rainier East