We decided to trek around some of the lower areas of Mt. Rainier ... on snowshoes. On the way up, we had some navigational issues (lack of planning on my part) and snowy but passable roads in the National Park.
Almost to our starting point, Gene and I came upon two climbers who flagged us down and requested that we follow one of the climbers back down the road about 5 minutes and taxi him back up to their starting point with the other climber. By hitching a ride, the opportunist climbers could avoid the 1 hour walk up the road back to their vehicle after thir hiking. What is the official climber etiquitte on burdening other groups for shuttle service? Who knows, but if it were me I would've let us pass by. A little peeved, but still in a good mood, I complied. A little good Karma never hurt right?
We found out the climber's names were Josh and Ernie (ficticious but fun name that Gene and I agreed on). Josh was a young college lad climbing with his Dad, Ernie. Their plan was to showshoe out onto some 200 foot cliffs, set up some top ropes with already-existing anchors and do some ice / rock climbing -- pretty hardcore; I was impressed.
After reuniting Josh & Ernie, we found our spot in the Narada Falls parking lot. We searched for the trailhead trailhead for the Mazama Ridge hike up to Paradise, thought we found it, but discovered later that it it was a summer trailhead that NOBODY snowshoes on, or so it seems.
Departure time: 11:08 AM.
First we came upon the almost completely frozen Narada Falls, which were spectacular and at least 150 ft. high. The picture really doesn't do it justice. Then, we got into some rolling terrain that gained elevation gradually. With 2 ft. of fresh powder and unbroken trail, Gene and I were soon gasping for air. We took turns breaking trail, switching after about every 5 minutes. Breaking trail in so much powder is grueling. While the leader broke trail, the follower got to relax leisurely behind and enjoy the picturesque scenery. The forest was quiet, only the sound of the snowshoes and breathing. It was surreal and tranquil.
We continued and had lunch looking over the frozen Reflection Lake; after 15 minutes of inhaling calories and cooling off, it was time to get moving to generate body heat. We passed Lake Louise and found a good spot to snap some pics, and drink our victory beers before turning back.
Turn around at 2:25 PM, 3 hours, 17 minutes one-way.
The way back went by like a blur, following our tracks, neither one of us had to break trail. We were cruizin' and made it back fast.
Return time, 4:02 PM, 1 hour, 37 minutes -- about twice as fast as the first leg.
Following a celebratory high-5 and we headed down the mountain, noticing Josh and Ernie's SUV still parked in the lower lot, but figured they'd be OK. The good karma seemed to pay off for us. It was an uneventful trip back except for my 1st exposure to the delightfully crispy Popeyes chicken. Cajun Sparkle baby!
Good snowshoe, another good adventure.
Picasa Link (check out the Victory Beer photos): http://picasaweb.google.com/bbero82/RainierSnowshoeingNaradaFallsReflectionLouiseLakes
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