Snow Camping! Mt. Rainier National Park: Ipsut Creek 11/19-11/20/2011

Carbon River entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park is the start of our journey!

Jeff and I getting ready to head out down the trail.

Perfect place for a snack!

Theresa and Jeff enjoying the snow.

Eventually the snow became deep enough that we could have used snowshoes.

Jennifer

Friends sharing a laugh.

We have arrived at our destination!

The cloud cover began to disappear in the afternoon. We were graced by blue skies and cooler temperatures.

My accommodations, which will be shared by my friend Jennifer.

Jeff setting up his tent.

Getting dark!

Theresa decided to test out hammock sleeping in the winter.

Dinner time! We were thankful for the use of this temporary shelter in which to gather and prepare our meals. I'd like to thank Ranger Jim for allowing us its use.

Luckily that's all the snow that fell on us overnight.

Swimming anyone?

Our campground even had toilet accommodations!

Deer tracks!

Getting ready to head home.

Theresa, always smiling!

I look like I might just know what I'm doing.

Pack it out!

Awed by the view.

Despite the cold overnight temperatures we were all still smiling and friends in the end!

Last minute I decided to join some friends on an overnight camping trip in the snow. We headed up to the Ipsut Creek Campground which is a 5 mile hike in from the Carbon River entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park. I'll admit I was pretty nervous as I've never snow camped before. Fortunately for me Theresa and Jeff have a ton of experience so I felt blessed to learn from them. Jennifer has about the same level of experience as myself and it was great to be able to share this first snow experience together.

I feel as though I learned a ton through of the course of the night. I learned how to pick a good tent location (Key: Remember to look up; snow on trees falls downward or even worse the weight of the snow on a tree branch can cause it to fall). I learned how to use several different types of camp stoves (Jetboil, MSR Reactor and the MSR Dragonfly). Most of all I learned I am capable of doing something that is a challenging. And I will gain knowledge to help me adapt to the difficulties I may encounter.

The weather was beautiful  during the day and the stars in the night sky were clear than I ever recall seeing. Per Ranger Jim the overnight temperature was recorded around 18 degrees Fahrenheit. For me, it was brutally cold. I spent most of the night shivering and trying to come up with inventive ways to keep myself warm. We were not allowed to have a campfire, which made for an even tougher evening. Overall I am proud of myself and I cannot wait to see what my future holds. I hear the call of the mountains louder than ever!!

Distance: 10 miles round-trip
Elevation: 2,300 feet

Directions: From state Route 164 in Enumclaw, turn right on Route 410 and follow signs to state Route 165 (south) through Buckley and Wilkeson. At the Mowich Lake/Carbon River junction, turn left on the Carbon River Road.  The road is closed and gated at the ranger station, approximately 5 miles shy of the Ipsut Creek Campground.

Central Cascades: Mt. Washington 11/06/2011

James, Jennifer and Anastasia head up the trail from the parking lot.

James and I having a good time!!

Mushroom

James was shocked by the size of some of the leaves on the ground. He just could resist using them for a laugh!

Viewpoint from the trail.

Signpost

Snow!!!

Breathtaking views!

There's nothing quite like hiking with friends!

I thought this was one of the most beautiful ways I've seen snow.

I love the way the snow was so crisp and crystalline.

We might need traction devices.

On our way down the sun was setting and it illuminated the mountains a pretty red color.

Just before leaving the parking lot.

Today was a beautiful day for a hike. I was so glad to get my feet back on the trail. October had been a difficult month with my repeated hand surgery and adjustments to work schedule. Thus, I had not been giving the trail the time I wanted. But getting back on the trail made me feel as though I was getting back on track with my goals.

We attempted to summit Mt. Washington again today, but yet again it evaded us. We had gotten a bit of a late start when trying to coordinate everyone's schedule. We did make it further then our previous attempt but we decided to head back down around 3:30pm as we wanted to get off the trail before dark. The upper part of the trail had quite a bit of snow on it making a little slower going. All in all though it just felt great to get out and share some time with great friends on the trail.

Directions from Seattle: Take the1-90 East to exit 38. Make a right off the interstate and the parking lot entrance will be on your right just before the road veers left. Then ascend the short trail from the parking lot, and reach the John Wayne Trail. Head west on the John Wayne Trail a short distance until the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Pioneer Trail sign appears, in about 150 feet there will be an unmarked trail on your left (this is the trailhead.)

*Please Note:  You are required to have a discover pass to park at the trailhead.