Spray Park Loop, Observation Rock via Echo Rock — Wednesday, Jul. 19, 2017

(Used Observation Rock approach to access Echo Rock so included for info)

Been meaning to get to Spray Park for years. All I can say is that it was worth the wait! I’ve never seen so many flowers and varieties on a hike, and the weather was perfect.

After about a mile in, I took the spur to Spray Falls. For only 0.2 miles extra, it’s definitely worth it. I crossed the creek and headed up to get a closer view. It’s a big beautiful falls. Very broad, and delicate looking.

After a few miles back on trail, I was at Spray Park. Stunning. The flower scene is just waaaay outta control up there right now. It’s like 1000 weddings are about to happen all at once. Groves and groves of flowers everywhere you look. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Once I got to the main high point (around 6300’), I noticed a spur trail heading south towards Mt. Rainier. Echo and Observation Rocks were also in the distance. I thought it would be cool to head up that way to get a little better view of the area.

In no time I was up on a knoll looking down over the entire Spray and Seattle Parks area. Echo and Observation were really tempting my curiosity and seducing me at this point -it doesn’t take much in the hills, so up I went...

The snowfields on Flett Glacier were in perfect shape for hiking. Semi firm snow with a couple inches of soft on top. Fairly mellow and moderately sloped. Got there pretty quick and scrambled up Echo Rock. Really unique and interesting red/orange volcanic rock. Views were amazing. Olympics, Puget Sound, Tacoma, Baker, Glacier, Stuart… I could even see the sun reflecting off a Seattle skyscraper. Hearing the constant cracking and popping of the North Mowich Glacier was an added treat.

Observation Rock had a slightly steeper snow approach to the northeast. I left my axe at home for the first time this year, otherwise I would have attempted. Another time.

After a quick lunch on top of Echo, I headed down, plunge stepping, boot skiing and glissading my way back to the main trail. I made good time and continued on towards Seattle Park. Another flower show... More weddings... The whole place has the scenery thing in spades. The non-flower views alone are spectacular enough!

Soon after exiting the Seattle Park area, the grade plummets. It feels like you are going downhill for eternity. I sorta checked out on this section as the flowers and views dissipated, and the trail got a bit brushy as it entered some old growth.

Finally arrived at the Carbon River area, and due to the trail washout, I got to cross the most awesomely fun suspension bridge. Signs on it said "one-at-a-time only.” There wasn’t much to it, it was high up over the river, and it moved a lot. So fun.

The next several miles meandered along Carbon River mostly through forest with many creek crossings. By the time I hit the junction to Ipsut Pass, I was already on mile 16, and had a pretty daunting section of trail looming. Ipsut Pass is a beast! Lots of slow, steady gain ending with a super steep switchback finale.

Once at the pass, it was 1.5 miles of easy flat tread back to Mowich Lake where I promptly shed my clothes and jumped in. Fully recommend. Water is beautifully clear and pure. The perfect way to end an awesome hike! 21.2 miles, 6350’ gain.

OH, and I must mention how impressively maintained this entire trail system is! It’s staggering to see all the work put in to erosion control, stepping stones, berms, steps, and bridges! Seriously, there must have been 20-30 bridges I crossed over streams, creeks, falls, etc. Some serious engineering going on in the NPS. So grateful.