Arch Rock — Saturday, Jul. 16, 2016

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

There are 72 blow downs between the trail head and Arch Rock. Wear pants to protect your legs as you climb over these trees. Some are easy to navigate, while some are difficult. The hike is fairly flat, but the blow downs require climbing in places. This is a quiet, shaded hike, without many views. There were nice wildflowers in spots. It was relatively secluded and we only passed a few hikers. To get to the trailhead, go to the end of FS70. There is a fork in the road when you are almost there. Go right towards Government Meadows. The trail head has a toilet. It is about 1/4 mile from the trailhead to the PCT. There are a few shooting ranges set up on FS70 as you drive up to the hike. Expect to see and hear semi-automatic or rapid fire rifles on the road and during your hike. Several dirt bikes were enjoying the area too. There were some potholes on FR 70, but it was easy to avoid them.