We knew this going in but it was still a looong weekend. We left Maupin early Thursday with the intent of getting to the Mt. Rainier area early enough in the day so we could get a campground for the holiday weekend. We only had a drive of 150 miles or so, not a long distance but a little slower than normal since we were not driving the interstate (in fact on the entire trip we have managed to stay OFF the interstates most of the time). The last small town on the east side of Rainier is Naches (nay-CHEEZ or similar but not like the east TX river), then about another 30 miles before the forest service campgrounds begin. When we reached the area with campgrounds we had no idea how many or what campgrounds were around. We drove thru the first, not thrilled at $16/night with no services but a water spigot in the middle, then decided to see what else may be available. We found another larger campground, Kaner Flat, another couple of miles up the road and found an unreserved spot that we settled into. Note to campers coming to this area: come to find out there are many campgrounds around, some run by the Forest Service, others that are FS campgrounds by run by a vendor, in this case HooDoo Recreation. Both types of camprgounds offer the same amenities, i.e. nothing but vault toilets and centrallly located water pumps, but the vendor cg's are $2-$6 more! Anyway ours ended up at $14/night. When we arrived many sites were already spoken for and that evening and the next day the place quickly filled. It turned out to be a noisy, RV generator, chain saw filled weekend but at least we had a somewhat cheap spot in a nice forest.
Kaner Flat CG
Little Naches River
The main road from the east side of Rainier to the west side is state Hwy. 410. Friday was opening day for the season as this road is closed during winter. We decided to take a drive over Chinook Pass to check things out. Although a safe drive it was still very wet with snow banks quite high and snow plows on hand just in case.
Entering Mt. Rainier NP (where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses)
Driving through Rainier
Saturday we decided to explore the east side in the national forest and discovered the Bumping Lake area. Bumping Lake was a natural lake that was then damned in 1910 to create a water source for the surrounding area. The roads here quickly turn from pavement to rough dirt and gravel and are not maintained. We initially tried to get to the ghost town of Copper City but were turned back when warned of snow ahead. We then went a different direction to a trail head where we hiked to some nice water falls. The drive through was fairly rough, finally using the 4x4 (although we probably would have made it without). We had to doge fallen trees and at one point came to a tree across the road. I was able to move it a little but then a second truck came through and we were all able to clear the road. Turns out three guys went through before us, moved the tree from the road, drove through, then moved it BACK. Not sure what they were trying to prove. We now understand why everyone out here travels with chainsaws.
Dodging fallen trees
Clearing the road
The weather here has been mostly cool and cloudy with some slight rain. Sunday ended up the same but we decided to go for another hike at the same lake but on the other side. We were told of an old growth forest grove that was several miles in. We easily found the trail and began our hike. Not exactly sure of the distance but a mile or so in we came across a large, heavily flowing creek that was to wide to cross. But Mother Nature took care of that by dropping a few large trees across the flow which made for a great bridge! I went across first and just after reaching the other side I got off the fallen tree, and went to step across another very small flow and felt something pop in my lower left calf. At first I could not walk as the pain was quite high. But after a few minutes I was able to move a bit and get back across. Cynthia had taken my pack back over and we found a nice walking stick and I started to limp back to the truck. It probably took twice as long to get back but we made it and then called it a day.
Creek crossing
Cyhthia going across
Interesting enough when we returned to the cg many of the campers had already left (a day early). So needless to say that night was fairly quiet and the rain that came ran the others inside early. For the second night we had a nice campfire with wood left by others.
Nice fire
Sunday evening we hitched the trailer to prepare for an early morning departure. We left yesterday around 8 and headed toward Enumenclaw, WA. where we ended up in a very nice small RV park run by the county at the fairgrounds.
Enumenclaw, WA fairgrounds
Today is laundry day at the wonderful town laundromat! I guess we just don't realize the small, wonderful benefit of having the ability to do this in the comfort of our home. That and the small fortune it costs to do the wash.
Must be done!
Tomorrow we head into Seattle to play tourist and visit with my cousin. Thursday we pack up again and head toward BC-stiil trying to figure out the best place to stay on that route (most RV parks close to Seattle are quite expensive and the NFS cg's are a little too far away).
Oh well, tough decisions, huh?
Until next time.....
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