We woke to a very wet tent rainfly. It was the heaviest dew we've had on the tent. We had so much dew because we didn't camp under trees. By the time the sun came up it was shining on the Mowich lake road and parking area. We moved our rainfly to the fenced garbage area and hung it over the fence. It was a good idea because it took the sun a long time to make it to our area. By the time we left everything was dry. No pictures of the drying process, but a group from Tahoe (four women and one man) thought our idea was great and they did the same thing. Wet items get really heavy in a backpack, so we were all glad to pack them away dry. Time to head to Golden lakes.
We stopped for a rest/snack break on this perfect natural rock bench.
Today's hike had some river crossing and deep green forest views.
The river at South Mowich, can't decide which channel is to be it's main one. It spreads out over a large area. The trail is marked with tape and cairns.
Past the river we now begin a long uphill hike to Golden lakes.
When we got to where the trail veers right and levels out we found the blueberries were ripe. We helped ourselves to their yumminess.
It started getting a little chilly as we made our way to camp in the fog.
The bridges didn't look any different than last year. So sad, it would be nice if Rainier would allow volunteer crews to come in and do trail/bridge repairs.
The first lakes come into view (kindof).
Finally at the Patrol cabin.
We found a nice site and put up our tarp in case the clouds and fog brought in rain overnight.
The clouds parted long enough for me to get a photo of the lake below. This was the view from the ridge where our tent site was located.
Relive video of our route:
https://youtu.be/tMhCM_PUO14
Garmin stats:
11.53 miles
2510 ascent
2539 descent
Elevation profile:
Trip summary:
40.36 - miles
10,771 feet - ascent
10,408 feet - descent
Elevation profile:
We stopped for a rest/snack break on this perfect natural rock bench.
Today's hike had some river crossing and deep green forest views.
The river at South Mowich, can't decide which channel is to be it's main one. It spreads out over a large area. The trail is marked with tape and cairns.
Past the river we now begin a long uphill hike to Golden lakes.
When we got to where the trail veers right and levels out we found the blueberries were ripe. We helped ourselves to their yumminess.
It started getting a little chilly as we made our way to camp in the fog.
The bridges didn't look any different than last year. So sad, it would be nice if Rainier would allow volunteer crews to come in and do trail/bridge repairs.
The first lakes come into view (kindof).
Finally at the Patrol cabin.
We found a nice site and put up our tarp in case the clouds and fog brought in rain overnight.
The clouds parted long enough for me to get a photo of the lake below. This was the view from the ridge where our tent site was located.
Relive video of our route:
https://youtu.be/tMhCM_PUO14
Garmin stats:
11.53 miles
2510 ascent
2539 descent
Elevation profile:
Trip summary:
40.36 - miles
10,771 feet - ascent
10,408 feet - descent
Elevation profile:
