The News Tribune (Lite) - Hike of the Week

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Section: Adventure

Hike of the Week

THE NEWS TRIBUNE

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Berkeley Park is a lovely alpine meadow on the east side of Mount Rainier. This high-altitude hike (high point is 6,773 feet) takes you up above the tree line (you’ll need lots of water, sunscreen and a hat, even on hazy days) and then drops you down into an alpine meadow and the forest. On the way you’ll pass by Frozen Lake and lots of other trailheads to whet your appetite for this side of Mount Rainier National Park. If you missed the flower display this year, put it on your calendar to try earlier next year. In bloom, Berkeley Park is a true riot of color.

The altitude will slow you, and everybody else, down – don’t be discouraged, just slow down and enjoy the wide open vistas. Lodi Creek runs into Berkeley Park, providing water to Berkeley Camp, one of the prettiest backcountry camps in the park. The creek is always running full of cold mountain water to refill your water bottles and to wet your bandana and shirt for the hike out on a hot sunny day.

DIRECTIONS: Drive Highway 410 about 43 miles east of Enumclaw. Turn right to the White River Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. Drive up the road to the end, enjoying the vistas on the way up. Park in the Sunrise parking lot. The trailhead is to the right of the restroom building.

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)

MILES ROUND-TRIP: 6.2

ELEVATION: 1,200 feet

BEST TIME OF YEAR: July to September

MAP: Green Trails 270, Mount Rainier East

PASS: Mount Rainier or national park day or annual pass

ALSO: Remember your sun protection for this hike. Please carry out your trash and any that you find on the trail. Remember to stay on the trails to protect the fragile alpine meadows. Restrooms are at Sunrise and at the park entrance. Check at the Sunrise Visitor Center for any last-minute trail information and to view the exhibits and photographs on the park and its history. The lodge has a cafeteria and a gift shop.

INFO: Check the Mount Rainier National Park Web site for current trail and road information, including snow conditions: www.nps.gov/mora. “Day Hiking Mount Rainier,” Mountaineers Books

Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee. For other hikes, visit www.thenewstribune.com/hiking.