Earlier in 2017 I applied for permits to hike the Northern Loop at Mt Rainier. There are three major loops in the park. The Wonderland Trail, the Eastern Loop and the Northern Loop. Having already completed the Wonderland, I had my sights set on the Northern Loop. I invited my friend Lance from work and his wife Katie. The loop was just as hard as any section of the Wonderland. Part of the loop is on the Wonderland after all.
As always, click the images and use your left and right arrow keys to go through the images or just scroll down. Map is at the end of the post.
Lance and KatieGreat views from the Sourdough Ridge TrailSourdough Ridge Trail
This marmot sure looked like he was in a hurryThis marmot sure looked like he was in a hurryThis marmot sure looked like he was in a hurryThis marmot sure looked like he was in a hurry
The Winthrop GlacierThe White RiverThe White RiverLance crossing the White RiverKatie crossing the White RiverThe White River
Beautiful Mystic Lake. The water was warm and the lake bottom was sandy and not muddy at all. We camped at the Mystic Campground near here.Mystic LakeMystic LakeA young deer near our camp. It hadn't quite shed all of its spots.Selfie time!Mystic Lake
Moraine Park
KatieThe Carbon GlacierThe Carbon GlacierThe Carbon Glacier and the start of the Carbon RiverThe Carbon Glacier and the start of the Carbon RiverCarbon River Suspension BridgeYellowstone CliffsThe black dot in the center of the picture is a bear. Yellowstone CliffsYellowstone Cliffs
We stopped here under the Yellowstone Cliffs for a nice break and to filter some water. We had just finished the hardest part of the climb out of the Carbon River drainage.
Tarn near Windy GapTarn near Windy GapTarn near Windy GapWe took the side trail to the Natural Bridge above Lake James and Lake Ethel.Lance wanted a closer look. I said he was nuts, LOL.We had a great view of the Fremont lookout from here. Can you see it?We camped at the Lake James camp sites. We were lucky to get a spot as the campground was pretty full. We got a group shot before heading out the last morning.The White RiverFording the White RiverFording the White RiverFording the White River
Looking back down at the White river after climbing out of the drainage. We were way up there by the Winthop Glacier just two days prior.Grand Park. This is a really neat place. It's a big flat plateau. After all the ups and downs over the last couple days, this was a nice break. The Fremont lookout is at the top of that pointKatie and Lance in Grand ParkKatie and Lance in Grand ParkLance and I in Grand Park. I think he was hiding from the sun or maybe the bugs? LOLBerkely Park. The flowers were just out of control.Berkely Park. The flowers were just out of control.Berkely Park. It was near here that I drank some unfiltered water that was flowing out of the side of the hill. A few days later I got Giardia or something and had to take antibiotics for ten days to get my system back on track.Berkely Park.Berkely Park. The flowers were just out of control.Berkely Park. The flowers were just out of control.Berkely Park.Berkely Park. Climbing out of here was pretty tough. I wasn't counting on so much more elevation gain after leaving Grand Park. A park ranger I passed as I was almost over the hump going back into Sunrise asked if I was OK, LOL. I must have looked pretty rough. This was a fun trip but a lot harder than I was expecting. So worth it though.
Jay, Thank you for sharing this challenging trip! Beautiful pictures and descriptions of places I could only see through you!
Thanks Nancy. I’m glad I could share it with you.