Previous :: Next Topic |
Author |
Message |
Galadriel Member
Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 249 | TRs | Pics
|
I arrived at the Shriner’s Peak trail around 10:30 Saturday, and the lower parking lot just north of the trail was full, so I went back up the road about a ¼ mile north to another parking area and scored a space. This trail is in MRNP but doesn’t require the entrance fee or a trail pass. In other words, it’s free!
The trail begins at a moderate grade up hill, and basically stays that way 4.2 miles. The first section- perhaps a mile and half, is in the forest, thankfully so on this hot day. Then it breaks into bracken ferns and open valley views to the north. I kept waiting for the spectacular scenery to appear- an hour and half and still nothing.
Finally I rounded a bend, and then pow! The Mountain was in my face! From then on the views just got better. The Tatoosh range-simply spectacular. Hummingbirds and butterflies, beargrass and lupine, grouse thumping and squirrel chirping, snow patches and avalanched lilies- all part of this marvelous trail. And then I met Janwalker coming down-what fun to see another NW Hiker!Lookout view Looking back down the trail
The only water sources, except for snow, are 2 small creeks near the upper portion of the trail. I dipped my bandanna in the icy water and wrapped it around my neck.
The peak has a sweet lookout and camping areas complete with toilet. Currently snow covers a large area of the peak summit area. The lookout cabin was locked. It looked well furnished with cots, and would be a terrific place to spend the night. Mt St Helens, Adams, the Goat Rocks, Dark divide, and the Ohanacaposh valley were visible. There was a white plume of smoke in the southeast distance, a fire perhaps?
I looked for a shrine or a red tassel hat in hopes of finding the peak's namesake.
Shriner Lookout Lookout Stove Interior lookout Shriner Peak Lookout Smoke Signals Clouds over Mountain
I wanted to walk the narrow ledge around the lookout, but a party of 4 had settled in on the west side-it was in shade with the premier Rainer view- to eat lunch. I asked if they were planning to stay there long, and they said yes, they would be there a long time and wouldn’t move because they were too tired, however I could hop over them. Which I did. Not sure what the proper lookout protocol is, but I do believe that the walkways should not be blocked.
view down from lookout north view southeast
Lingered on the summit for a while, perhaps a dozen others were there during my stay, with several more parties coming up the trail as I headed down. Made good time down and got back to the car at 3:30.
|
Back to top |
|
|
Hikingqueen Member
Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 2946 | TRs | Pics
|
Great to see you again. It was such a lovely area. I would like to go back in the fall. I made people move so I could get down the steps..it's all about courtesy and eveyone being able to check out the tower. I saw the puffy clouds as I got to my car and wondering if weather was changing soon.
|
Back to top |
|
|
Magellan Brutally Handsome
Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 13116 | TRs | Pics Location: Inexorable descent |
|
Magellan
Brutally Handsome
|
Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:19 am
|
|
|
Give them a push next time. Very nice area. I wanted to visit the hidden lake, but ran out of time when I was there. A ranger came huffing and puffing out of the bushes. I thought for sure it was a bear!
|
Back to top |
|
|
Dean (aka CascadeHiker)
Joined: 02 Mar 2002 Posts: 1967 | TRs | Pics Location: ex Kennewick, Wa & Lehi Utah |
|
Dean
(aka CascadeHiker)
|
Sun Jul 12, 2009 1:25 pm
|
|
|
Really nice pics.
|
Back to top |
|
|
tigermn Member
Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 9242 | TRs | Pics Location: There... |
|
tigermn
Member
|
Sun Jul 12, 2009 1:42 pm
|
|
|
I was just up the road at Crystal Peak yesterday. What a beautiful day it was.
I went early and had the summit to myself!
I did Shriner last fall, both are excellent trips.
I remember the rounding the corner feeling too when the mountain was just all of the sudden in your face.
of the two I actually like Crystal a little better. The lookout doesn't get in the way of the 360 degree views
|
Back to top |
|
|
Bryan K Shameless Peakbagger
Joined: 29 Sep 2005 Posts: 5129 | TRs | Pics Location: Alaska |
|
Bryan K
Shameless Peakbagger
|
Sun Jul 12, 2009 2:21 pm
|
|
|
Nice pictures
Those people were rude and should ahve moved to let you walk by. I'm a firm believer that others people inabilities or problems should not be made to be mine. To tired to move? Then get out of the way of others before plopping you a$$ down on the catwalk that was built with taxpayer dollars and sit your a$$ down on the dirt below the lookout.
Sorry about that, I had a moment there
|
Back to top |
|
|
Galadriel Member
Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 249 | TRs | Pics
|
Ctywkr, I share your view! and yes, Janwalker, it's common courtesy to allow fellow hikers to enjoy the lookout space.
Magellan- Re the "hidden lake" you mentioned- is that Shriner Lake? I see it on the map, but didn't see it from the lookout.
Tigermn, thanks for the Crystal peak info-I'll put it on my fall calendar.
|
Back to top |
|
|
EastKing Surfing and Hiking
Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Posts: 2082 | TRs | Pics Location: 77 miles from Seattle! |
|
EastKing
Surfing and Hiking
|
Sun Jul 12, 2009 8:30 pm
|
|
|
Great TR! Looks like a fall (post-Whitney??) hike.
YouTube | SummitPost
Saw the depths of despair. Now I am salvaging what time I have left on Earth.
YouTube | SummitPost
Saw the depths of despair. Now I am salvaging what time I have left on Earth.
|
Back to top |
|
|
tigermn Member
Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 9242 | TRs | Pics Location: There... |
|
tigermn
Member
|
Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:47 am
|
|
|
EastKing wrote: | Great TR! Looks like a fall (post-Whitney??) hike. |
It is a great fall hike. I did it last mid September and I think I was just a little early for the fall colors. They were starting in places but not in full swing.
|
Back to top |
|
|
|