Intro to Backpacking Field Trip - Around Mother Mountain

TBD or another point emailed to participants. After introductions, we will gear shift to carpools then caravan to the TH. TH at Westside Road has limited parking and spotty cell service.

Carpool Information: Riders are requested to reimburse driver(s) at $0.18 mile. 64 miles RT to Longmire so roughly $11.50 per vehicle.

**Minimal Physical Requirements: Be able to cross streams of fast moving glacial melt confidently. Confident with crossing a backcountry suspension bridge spanning about 200' with at least 100 ft. height above a glacier. Crossing terrain that is rocky steep, hot and uneven. Note mileage and elevation in listing before requesting to join.

***Each Vehicle is Required Mt. Rainier Annual Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency or Senior Interagency Pass plus timed reservation for entry.

Proposed Trip:

Please read gear list, and itinerary before asking permission. Be ready to include your experiences as a backpacker and what preparations you have made for success on this trip.

Day 1 Cataract Valley Camp- 10.4 miles, 2700+/-3200 Hike from Mowich Lake to Spray Falls and Spray Park. Enjoy a comfortable pace through Spray and Seattle Parks, eat lunch, a snack, take photos, gradually making camp at Cataract Valley Camp. Set up camp, gather water, have dinner together with optional camp group activity or quiet time.

Day 2 Ipsut Camp- 5.5 miles, 500+/-2600 Get up, have breakfast. Break camp. Hike to Carbon River Suspension Bridge, viewing the glacier. Make way to Ipsut Falls and Ipsut Camp. Set up camp, gather water, have dinner together and optional camp group activity or quiet time. 

Day 3- Mowich Lake 5.5 3000+/-400 Get up, have breakfast. Break camp. Hike up challenging Ipsut Pass to Mowich Lake. Optional- hike to Eunice Lake and Tolmie Peak adding 5 miles +1000' and celebration swim in Mowich lake if weather permits :)

Preference to Tacoma Branch Introduction to Backpacking Students.
Trip will open to all Mountaineers based on availability on April 28.