Spray Park Loop — Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2016

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich

This is a challenging day hike. We are experienced hikers but spend much of our time on trails near the Mountain Loop Highway. This hike was just a whole different level of difficulty. Some thoughts on what we learned: --get to the trail head early. I miscalculated the drive time and, as a result, we started after 10:30am. That was at least 90 minutes too late as we finished in pitch-black darkness. The best approach would be to come the day before and stay at Mowich Lake so you can leave bright and early --Allow some extra time at Spray Park as the photo ops are virtually endless --Extensive talus fields coming down from Spray Park. This will tire ankles --Part of the trail is washed out, requiring you to cross the Carbon River on the suspension bridge. It is rather like walking on a springy tightrope with cables to hold on to. If you have a terrible fear of heights as I do, I recommend singing loudly as you cross. This gives your brain something to do other than think about falling to your death --Don't skimp on the 10 Essentials on this one. You are in a very remote place! Though my husband brought a headlamp, I did not. Very dumb as we did the last 2 hours (including that horrid climb up Ipsut Pass) in darkness --Carry a green trails map with you. You never know when the trail will be washed out somewhere and you need to understand the re-route Doing this route in two days would have been a good workout but pleasant. As a one-day, it is a grind but if a grind is what you are looking for, the Spray Park Loop will not disappoint.