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Weekend Gem: Mt. Rainier’s Westside Loop

Posted by eriksoltan on Nov 1, 2015 in Uncategorized | No Comments

It has been a while bit since I had done a trip up at Mt. Rainier, so it seemed an appropriate destination for a final snow-free trip this season. Also, I have been putting together trail descriptions for a book on trekking trips in the Gifford Pinchot, which includes the first segment of this trip before it enters the National Park. This 30 mile loop has a good variety of scenic spots like secluded lakes, subalpine meadows with amazing views of the Mountain and it’s glaciers and even a old lookout perched high on a cliff side. Start out driving to Longmire Ranger Station by going north on I-5 to Hwy 12 (exit 68) and then east on Hwy 12 to SR 7 in Morton. North on SR 7 to SR 706 east to the Nisqually Entrance. Pick up a wilderness permit for your trip here, I hiked it in a overnight trip and stayed in St. Andrews Park on the Wonderland Trail by obtaining a Backcountry Permit for that area above the lake. If that seems too daunting miles-wise or have extra time to explore more of the other terrific area you will be passing like higher in Klapatche or St. Andrews Parks, Emerald Ridge or Gobblers Knob, I wholeheartedly endorse that decision. You could easily extend the trip for two nights by staying at lovely Lake George for a night and then South Puyallup Camp the next night. Next, backtrack out of the park to the tiny town of Ashford where you pass the Country Inn on the right. After you cross over Goat Creek, make a right on marked Road 59 and in 5 miles make another right onto unmarked Road 5920 to the end.

Start out at Lake Christine TH and hike past Lakes Christine, Goat and finally up to the shoulder of Mount Wow, where if the weather looks good, you should go the .4 mile to Gobblers Knob Lookout perched precariously on the edge of a cliff of the Mt. Wow. Next, drop down to Lake George where you enter into the National Park and enjoy some lunch as the fish jump. Now, hike the final bit to the now closed Westside Road, jog left and then follow the Round Pass Trail a half a mile to the road again where you make a right and follow it for 3 quiet miles to St. Andrews Creek Trail on the right. Follow this great trail as it contours the creek for a bit before climbing to the lovely subalpine splendor of Klapatche Park and the intersection for the Wonderland Trail at Aurora Pond. Make a right at the pond and follow the Wonderland slightly uphill to St. Andrews Lake, and take the way trail on the left of the lake higher into the parkland to a fantastic spot high above the lake. Now, Tohoma is in full view, his majesty is awe inspiring as the mountain goats wander the glacial moraines below the dark ominous Takaloo Spire, wow! Water is available seasonally from a creek to the right of the spot or at the lake. The next day, take the Wonderland Trail through great parkland before dropping to the South Puyallup River and Camp. Take this trail back to Round Pass and retrace your steps to the car. Climb up to the Lookout and say goodbye to the Mountain for now until you have more time to hike the whole Wonderland Trail, a life changing experience.