[Bryan K]

I'm trying to rebuild my strength in my lower back after 2 surgeries so I thought it would be good to get back into the mountains again. With high avy danger I thought it best to stay in the trees and stay low. I've eyed Paul Peak for years for some unknow reason, so Friday would be the day to get up! SR 165 is in pretty bad shape after the pavement ends. It reminded me of the Mid Fork Road I got to within 1/4 mile of the closed gate at Rainier due to very wet/heavy/soupy snow, being solo I decided to park and go on foot.

Wet heavy snow kept me 1/4 mile from the TH

Once on the Paul Peak Trail there was surprisingly little snow to be found.

Near the start of the trail

Meadow Creek crossing

The trail is in good condition and I followed it to the western most part and went off trail up the ridge from there.

Off trail from here

Heading up was simple, no views but still fun. I found 2 rock outcroppings around 4400' (I think) and got a decent view from the top of one of them. The Paul Peak summit is rather benign and viewless.

Nearing the summit of Paul Peak

I followed the ridge to the east and found a small view of Rainier.

Her majesty

The ridge gets fun in a few spots as I continued east and the snow started to build up too.

Deep snow and lots of fallen trees

Nearing the start of Hayden Creek I donned my snowshoes as the snow got knee deep and I postholed every step. From there I had 1,000' to the top of Elizabeth Ridge. There was so much melting snow above me that I thought it was raining as I ascended.

Elizabeth Ridge clearing

Once I reached a clearing I realized that it wasn't rain after all like I had thought. Quickly I found a view to the south.

View from Elizabeth ridge south

A few minutes later and I was at the top.

Elizabeth ridge

From there I headed down to Mowich Lake. Part of the route down was rather steep and I took it easy so that I wouldn't fall and mess up my back. Finally I reached the lake and the mostly buried bathroom and info kiosk.

Mowich Lake crapper

Covered info kiosk

I made a new friend.

Lonely bird

I shortcutted part of the road via the Grindstone Trail before enduring the rest of the slog back to the car.

Waterfall

Waterfall

Route from Paul Peak back to the car

Mowich Lake pano

[HitTheTrail]

Bryan, way to get out...but take it easy with the back. My wife had her lower four fused two years ago and is still taking it easy (but she may be over doing it a bit). Hope you get back over our way for a hike or two this summer.

[tigermn]

[Bryan K]

The snow on the road got deep and mushy pretty quickly. Being solo I didn't want to chance getting my Subaru stuck. I stopped about 1/4 mile short of the TH. A few trucks with mudders appeared to get to the TH, but I think they also got stuck in a few spots.

[silence]

[lookout bob]

nice pics and report Bryan. Baby that back. See you soon.....b

[Redwic]

Nice job, Bryan! (As always) It was also good seeing you at the "100 Peaks of Mount Rainier" presentation the other night. It is an interesting list, although some of the peaks on and off the list are bizarre. In example, some peaks on the list are not within Mount Rainier National Park. Heck, some "peaks" on the list are not really peaks... just named summits. Giving the example of this TR: Paul Peak is included on the list but nearby Elizabeth Ridge, which is higher and more prominent, is not on the list. I wonder what the criteria was by those who created the list? It was not really explained at the presentation. Either way, it was good to see you get out into the mountains again. I hope you get to do so many more times this year.