Northern Loop Day 4: Lake James to Sunrise

Our fourth and final day bacpacking on the Northern Loop was from James Camp through Berkley Park to Sunrise, 12.7 miles with 2,000 ft loss and 4,000 ft of gain. This was our toughest and warmest day, so we broke camp and hiked out before 7 am. The trail descends mostly in the forest 1,300 ft in 2.5 miles. Here we are looking up towards Redstone Peak.

On reaching the West Fork of the White River drainage area, we saw Lower Van Horn Falss near the bottom of Van Horn Creek. We were happy to resupply our water as there would not be another fresh water creek until we reached Berkley Park in another 5-1/2 miles.

The bridge over the West Fork of the White River was in great condition and high enough above the water, that the bridge was dry.

Walking through the lower elevation of this trail, we found lots of ripe blueberries (and fresh bear scat).

The trail then climbs 2,500 ft through the nice shady forest up towards Grand Park in 4 miles.

Here I saw my first gnome plants!

Near the upper portion going up toward Grand Park we saw some arnica in bloom.

One of my favorite views of Mt Rainier, is here on the Northern Loop Trail, about 0.3 miles before joining the Lake Eleanor Trail through Grand Park. Here we can see areas we have hiked though the past 3 days. Straight ahead lies the Winthrop Glacier and to the right, Carbon Glacier.

There did not seem to many wildflowers in Grand Park, but as we began to descend into Berkley Park, we saw abundant wildflowers.

Lodi Creek is easily available in many places through Berkley Park, great for fresh water and cooling off.

gentian is blooming in Berkley Park

looking up at the saddle below Skyscraper mtn, where we crossed 3 days before.

lots of photos of the wildflowers we walked by in Berkley Park

Back up on Sourdough Ridge, and a lovely view of Mt Rainier

Looking north from the Sourdough Ridge Trail, in the far distance: Mt Baker, Glacier Peak and Mount Stuart

Back at Summerland and the end of our four day backpacking trip along the Northern Loop Trail.

 

Northern Loop Day 3: Carbon River Camp to Lake James

Day 3 of our Northern Loop Backpack: Carbon River Camp to Lake James with a side trip to the Natural Bridge at Windy Gap was 10 miles with 3,500 ft gain and 2,300 ft loss. Our morning started with leaving camp and crossing Cataract Creek.

We then re crossed the Carbon River on the suspension bridge over the Carbon River to rejoin the Wonderland Trail for 1.1 miles before doing the Northern Loop Trail over Windy Gap.

Here the trail descends through the woods, we saw lots of wintergreen in bloom,

shelf fungus on logs and trees,

and pinesap growing out of the forest floor.

We were happy to find fresh water along Spukwush Creek, as there would be no more water available until just before Windy Gap 5+ miles up the trail.

After leaving the Wonderland Trail to hike the Northern Loop Trail, the trail descended a short ways before rising 2,500 ft through the forest to Yellowstone Cliffs 3.4 miles up the trail. We were happy to be hiking in the shade this morning with our heavy packs.

Before we reached Yellowstone Cliffs, we began to see fields of wildflowers, here Sierra Larkspur and paintbrush.

tiger lilies and lupine

fields of wildflowers below Yellowstone Cliffs

my first time in this beautiful area

lots of lovely, colorful flowers as we continued up towards Windy Gap

We were thankful to find a stream below Windy Gap, nice place to take a break, refresh our water supply, and enjoy the views of the Yellowstone Cliffs.

traversing Windy Gap at 5,800 ft

lupine and paintbrush in bloom 

mountain tarn below Crescent Mtn at Windy Gap

wide angle view of Crescent Mountain and the tarn at Windy Gap

enjoying the wildflowers as we continue along Windy Gap

heather in bloom

wildflowers and another view of Crescent Mtn from the west side of Windy Gap

on the west side of Windy Gap in an unmaintained trail to see the Natural Bridge, this is 1.5 miles round trip with 400 ft loss/gain

looking down at the Natural Bridge (half of it hidden by the shade), Lakes Ethel and James below

hiking back to Windy Gap along the Natural Bridge Trail, we could see the crest of Mt Rainier between the peaks on Sluiskin Mountain

From Windy Gap, it is a descent of 1,300 ft in 1.7 miles through the woods to James Camp. After setting up camp, we hiked the short 0.2-0.3 miles to Lake James. Here we enjoyed our dinner while watching the fish jump.