Mowich River — Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich

8 miles round trip not 7. The switchbacks are intense, prepare for sore toes and calves. Several seasoned hikers of the Wonderland claimed the 3 miles of switchbacks of Mowich River to Lake was one of the top 3 most intense sections. We had an 11 and 9 yr old with us. The handled it like champs, but I wouldn't recommend it for inexperienced or young hikers. Spotted a sunning dear, missed a berry eating bear buy 20 minutes, saw fresh cougar prints on our assent, came across a frog in the trail, many birds, butterflies, bats, and many many biting flies and Yellowjackets. Slept on the sand at the river, listened to the glacier above rumble and pop and groan all night...magnificent and eerie.