Trip Report
Burnt Park Loop
An unexpected gem in the NE corner of Mountain Rainier National Park, this gorgeous loop scramble (T1, S3) has expansive meadows and stunning views in all directions.
Dave Morgan
- Fri, Jul 17, 2020
- Huckleberry Creek
- Scrambling
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Aside from limited parking and dusty conditions at the Huckleberry Creek trailhead, conditions were perfect. Morning clouds gave us cooler temperatures for the majority of our ascent, then drifting clouds and sun for the leisurely circumnavigation of this beautiful bowl. No bugs or snow, yet ice axes were helpful in a few spots to provide an emergency hold in the ‘low dagger’ configuration.
Other than short amounts of the Huckleberry Creek trail, this trip was one long clockwise ridge run that circumnavigated the alpine bowl that is Burnt Park. Our entry was by way of the less steep north ridge (interrupted by a westerly detour at ~5500’, just north of Point 5836), and our exit a direct steep line to the NW from Point 6327 to the Huckleberry Creek trail:
Of note, an older/abandoned trail was encountered at ~3600’ on descent, but we kept descending and encountered the true Huckleberry Creek trail at ~3500’. Surprisingly little brush throughout the day, with the most difficult parts avoiding blow downs as we approached the trail. Elevation gain/loss was ~4000’ over 10 miles. Total time was ~8.5 hours, with ~3 hours to reach the ridge crest, ~2.5 hours to run the ridge (including some leisurely breaks), ~2 hours to descend, and an hour for the hike back to the cars. Photos can be seen here.