After reading about this hike on a local hiking forum, I decided to make a day of it. The hike, if you include Spray Park and make a loop out of it like I did, is only about 7.5 miles with 2350 feet of elevation gain. You could make a longer loop out of it by venturing up towards Observation Rock if 7.5 miles is not enough.
The trail begins right behind the ranger cabin at Mowich Lake in Mount Rainier National Park. Not official and certainly un-maintained, you will probably not see this trail on any maps. There's not even any signs for it except for one at the ranger cabin that says "End of Maintained Trail".
Mowich lake is a popular place. Spray Park, Spray Falls, Tolmie Peak and Lookout, as well as the Wonderland Trail can all be accessed from here, not to mention it is also a campground. Despite the popularity, I only saw one group of people between Mowich and the Spray Park trail during my visit which gave the hike a remote feel. I certainly enjoyed my visit and can say that although short, this was one of the best 'bang for your buck' hikes I've been on all year. It was simply beautiful.
Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into if you go up here during inclement weather. I imagine the trail could be difficult to locate in whiteout conditions in the basin area.
Mowich Lake PanoramaMowich LakeMowich LakeTolmie Peak in the distance. Mowich Lake below.Tolmie Peak in the distance. Mowich Lake below.Tolmie Peak and lookout in the distance.Lots of flowers in the drainage going up to Knapsack Pass.Unmaintained trail was in better shape than some official trails I have been on.For being a relatively unknown destination, This trail had it all.An almost arch near the top of the Pass. In my mind, I keep calling this formation "The Lovers". See how they are kissing?Could not get enough of this place.
Looking up towards the Pass.Looking back at the way I had come.Just a pretty section of trail.Looking backMowich Lake down below.The berries were ripeFirst view of Rainier from the Pass.
Panorama from Knapsack PassLooking down at the basin just below the Pass on the other side.After dropping down into the basin, you can pick up the trail again after crossing a permanent snow field.Unmaintained TrailThis was the second snow field crossing. Neither crossing was very arduous, or steep for that matter.Looking back at the Pass from the second snow crossing. The Pass is the gap near the middle of the frame.Panorama from near one of the snow crossings.There was still some lupine in this area, unfortunately, most of the flowers were past their prime.Another look back. Knapsack Pass is the gap just left of center.Looking down on Spray Park and Observation Rock across the way. Rainier mostly cloud obscured at this point.I had never seen these flowers before. After researching, I have concluded that they are called Mount Rainier Lousewort (Pedicularis rainierensis). http://www.pnwflowers.com/flower/pedicularis-rainierensisI had never seen these flowers before. After researching, I have concluded that they are called Mount Rainier Lousewort (Pedicularis rainierensis). http://www.pnwflowers.com/flower/pedicularis-rainierensisI had never seen these flowers before. After researching, I have concluded that they are called Mount Rainier Lousewort (Pedicularis rainierensis). http://www.pnwflowers.com/flower/pedicularis-rainierensisA look back at Mother MountainMother Mountain and Mist Park below.Tarn on the Spray Park trail near the junction with the unmaintained Knapsack Pass trail.The flowers were past prime in most spots but there were still a few holding on.The flower displays at Spray Park are some of the best I've seen.The flower displays at Spray Park are some of the best I've seen.Beargrass bloomsLots of flowers here still.By the time I got a couple miles from the trailhead on the return, it had starting raining off and on and the Mountain was totally obscured.
Hi Chelsie. I did this just last month. The weekend before last to be exact. It’s not very obvious and I should probably mention the date in my posts but the date can always be found in the page URL. If you hurry, you just might see some flowers still. Have fun!
After reading about this hike on a local hiking forum, I decided to make a day of it. The hike, if you include Spray Park and make a loop out of it like I did, is only about 7.5 miles with 2350 feet of elevation gain. You could make a longer loop out of it by venturing up towards Observation Rock if 7.5 miles is not enough.
What month did you do this hike? Just curious because we are thinking about going and hope there are still flowers!
Hi Chelsie. I did this just last month. The weekend before last to be exact. It’s not very obvious and I should probably mention the date in my posts but the date can always be found in the page URL. If you hurry, you just might see some flowers still. Have fun!