American Lake, Cougar Lakes — Friday, Aug. 31, 2012

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

*Lost Gold Ring* - Our party approximates we likely lost this family heirloom somewhere between Little Cougar Lake and American Lake on trails 958 and 958A. Please contact me via the comments if you happen to find it (crossing our backcountry fingers the power of WTA will come through). Having tackled this hike a couple years ago, I knew this would be a great trip for a new comer to backpacking. Our crew was a party of three plus one dog. Arrived to a surprisingly quiet Chinook Pass parking lot at 9:45 Friday. Our plan to stake our claim early this holiday weekend was already playing out in our favor. Weather was terrific on our hike in, headed south bound around 10:00 AM. A few day hikers were about at the Naches Loop, while Dewey lake was surprisingly empty. Had a late morning snack at the lake then pressed on to our planned camp. The PCT was is great condition the whole way albeit a bit dusty. Peek-a-boo views of Rainier teased us along the west side of the ridge from Anderson lake. The mountain was a glorious sight along this last climb prior to our decent to American Lake. We set up camp around 1:30 along the south eastern end of the lake. Although a bit shady in the afternoon, this is hands down the most private of all the sites and well away from the trail. There was napping, there was snacking, and of course laughing. Dinner, campfire, and the rise of the BLUE MOON was truly magical. Morning came with a frost laden camp and cooler temperatures than I suspected. We slept in and did not hold to any sort of schedule for the remainder of the day. Headed out to Cougar Lakes for the day for some swimming. Plenty of ripe berries along the trail. Once we arrived a Little Cougar Lake we traversed to the north shore. Came some across some fresh berry rich bear scat. Now out of the trees I keep my eyes up slope. Sure enough a medium sized black bear's curious eyes and ears were following our approach to the water. After some mutual gawking from afar, we parted ways. There is an excellent rock slab over a nice deep pool on this side of the lake. It was a bit windy so taking a dunk took some courage. The plunge was well worth it. While exiting the basin, several parties we entering to make camp. There are ample sites between the lakes, as well as east above the large camp on east end of Little Cougar. Back at American Lake, we watched the sunset while thin clouds dappled in the lake's reflection. Another moon rise, this time shrouded in clouds made for a mysterious night in camp. We left our camp around 11:30 on Sunday, the hike out was quiet until the Dewey Lake basin. Holiday hikers, fisherman, and families were out in force. Awesome seeing so many folks enjoying Washington's wilderness. We arrived back at the pass around 4:00.