Take A Hike
Published 9:00 pm Friday, January 21, 2005
What: A short snowshoe trip that meanders along peaceful creeks and arrives at sub-alpine meadows in the Mount Rainier area.
Where: Take I-5 south, then the I-405 north exit, then exit 154A toward Renton. Take the Highway 167 exit toward Renton/Auburn. Take Highway 18 east toward Auburn, and then Highway 164 southeast toward Enumclaw. Take a left onto Highway 410 east and follow for 31 miles. Turn left onto Crystal Mountain Boulevard and follow for 4.2 miles towards the main lodge. The trailhead is on the left side, up a short road about 500 feet from the main lodge.
Length: 4.4 miles round trip
Beginning elevation: 4760 feet
Highest elevation: 6320 feet
Maps: Green Trails 271, Bumping Lake; USGS Quad Bumping Lake
Notes: Follow the trail from the lower parking lot along a snowmobile path that makes its way up towards the west facing slopes. There are spur roads here and there, so make sure to stay on the trail towards Bullion Basin. The trail is flat in spots, and it is a popular spot, so keep an eye out for motorized speeders. Once you pass the last junction, snowmobiles are not allowed, and the peaceful surroundings are yours to enjoy. After a few long switchbacks and couple of traverses, you enter the basin. This is usually an avalanche-prone area, but with the recent rains, it is the perfect area to venture into. If you wish to have more adventure in your day, follow the south-facing slopes up to the ridgeline that makes its way towards Bullion Point, on the south end of Bullion Basin. The ridgeline offers views down into the valley
Permits: A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the trailhead.
More information: Contact the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest in Enumclaw at 450 Roosevelt Ave. E. or 360-825-6585. Check out recent trail conditions at the Washington Trails Association, www.wta.org.
Rentals: Snowshoe rentals are available at Cascade Crags in Everett, REI (Lynnwood and Seattle), Marmot in Bellevue and Cascade Guiding Services in Snohomish.
Scott Harder is owner of Cascade Guiding Services in Snohomish.
www.cascadeguide.com
