Government Meadows, Arch Rock — Friday, Aug. 7, 2015

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Our original destination was Arch Rock, but we got a late start. Forest Road 70, though in pretty good condition, is slow going after the paved road ends just past the Greenwater Lakes turnoff. From the horse camp parking area (where we found surprisingly little trash and a nice, clean privy with plenty of TP), we took the 1/2 mile connector trail to the PCT and headed north to Government Meadows rather than south to Arch Rock. We spent at least an hour at the cabin chatting with friendly through-hikers before continuing another mile to where the trail meets up with FS 7080. LOTS of ripe berries to be had on this stretch of the trail. On the way back, we chatted with more through-hikers who were headed toward Government Meadows. Overall, we did more socializing than hiking today, but we did get a few HaT miles in (and had lots of fun listening to PCT stories).