Well better late than never I guess...
Decided to take advantage of the super weather and get out of the I-90 area.
Shriner peak it was. I had never done this peak. Access is very easy as you just park on the highway, no long dusty roads to travel. The parking area is not right by the trailhead. You have to walk south a few hundred feet to find the very well marked trailhead. Advertised as great views and low crowds and it didn't disappoint.
The first mile and a half or so ascent at a pretty decent clip as the trail is in the trees and basically angles rather than switchbacking up the slope.
After about a mile and a half or so it opens up more and some views emerge, but the best is yet to come.
After a bit more walking Rainier appears out of nowhere as you route a corner. Shortly past is a nice rock/viewpoint that makes a good rest stop if you need one.
Moving along you proceed up the hill through various mixed tree/meadowy areas with great views all along the way.
After a final duck more into the trees the final push to the tower. You don't see the tower until you are practically there.
When I arrived there were two people on the tower. After I had been there a bit they left and I had it all to myself for quite a while until another single arrived.
From there the views are great. You have to walk around the outside of the tower (locked) to get the full 360 degree effect.
Yea I was really there and actually hauled up a tripod to play with.
A few more shots from camping area/summit area then I headed down.
Trip down was uneventful and much quicker than up. I counted maybe a dozen or so ascending on my way down.
This trail is on the narrow side in places but no exposure. If you hare a map reader and such while you are walking you do need to make sure you don't drift off and twist an ankle or something. If this trail had a lot of traffic it would really be too narrow.
A few more shots on the way down. I did manage to "almost" twist an ankle but somehow saved myself (and I didn't even bring trekking poles)
This hike has a granite mountain type of feel. At 4.41 miles and about 3400 feet of elevation gain, in that same ballpark but with superb scenery. Also it is cool in a sense that you just kind of hike along and are suddenly there. No seeing the lookout way in the distance etc as you go. At least I never saw it and sort of looked on the way up.
The fall colors were just starting. This could be a place to return too soon.
Finally since I could see the chinook pass from the peak, I decided to drive up and see where I was. Not the best picture but there wasn't a real good place to pull over.
Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 1481 | TRs | Pics Location: On sabbatical
Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:50 am
Very nice! Shriner's a good one for Rainier views & minimal peeps considering its easy access from the hwy. I always thought it might be nice to camp up there one of these days...preferably on a cloudless night to do some stargazing...
Very nice! Shriner's a good one for Rainier views & minimal peeps considering its easy access from the hwy. I always thought it might be nice to camp up there one of these days...preferably on a cloudless night to do some stargazing...
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