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 2: Mystic Lake to Carbon River Camp

The second day of our Norther Loop Trail backpack is along the Wonderland Trail, from Mystic Camp to Carbon River Camp. This was about 5 miles with 400 ft gain/2,800 ft loss. We were glad this was a low mileage day as the wildflower fields were so beautiful, we were able to take our time and enjoy all the beauty around us!!! We only hiked 0.2 miles from the camp up to Mystic Lake to stop on eat breakfast, enjoying the views.

Wildflower field on the south side of Mystic Lake

This short 0.6 mile section of trail up to Moraine Park is divine? We love hiking through fields of wildflowers

elephanthead lousewort and lupine

paintbrush and lupine

beargrass, lousewort, bistort and starting to see Mt Rainier

pasqueflower going to seed

As the trail climbs, we begin to see more and more of Mt Rainier along with the wildflowers.

Easily to see why we took our time on this short section of the trail

At 6,000 ft, on the Wonderland Trail west of  Mystic Lake and the beginning of Moraine Park, is a boot track to this lovely mountain tarn.  

The next mile and half of the trail through Moraine Park was full of wildflowers.

enjoying this bit of hiker heaven!!!

Moraine Creek

crossing Moraine Creek through a rainbow, our entire trip was an enchanting adventure!!!

Moraine Creek further down the trail

Dick Creek on the trail, we were able to cross on rocks, has I did not want to cross on the wet logs.

butterfly on yarrow

The Carbon Glacier is massive! Here we heard both rocks falling of the glacier and large boulders tumbling down the river.

zoom of the snout of Carbon Glacier

stonecrop along the trail

we enjoyed some ripe thimbleberries

arnica, fireweed, foxglove and thistle along this rocky portion of the trail

lovely view looking up at the Carbon River emerging from beneath the Carbon Glacier

We didn't see this warning sign until we were below the glacier, as we never left the trail we were not in danger.

Suspension Bridge over the Carbon River leading to Carbon River Camp.

view of the Carbon River from the suspension bridge

On the trail we saw wintergreen,

and ate some ripe blueberries and

salmonberries.

We crossed Cataract Creek on our way into Carbon River Camp