Indian Bar

I couldn't let a rare opportunity pass, so I snagged a backcountry camping permit for Indian Bar in Mt Rainer National Park. This has been on my must-do list for years, but the stars never seemed to quite align. This year, part of the Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates the mountain was closed due to fires, so many of the people doing the full loop bailed on their permits, freeing up reservations for this high-demand location. So I took advantage of the situation, and went on my first backpack in 3 years!

With a significant shift to stormy fall weather on the near-term horizon, I lucked out with a perfect first day ... blue-skies and warm temps, with the mountain out in its full glory. A long approach with significant elevation gain tested my fitness, but the views in all directions during the latter half (on Cowlitz Divide) were quite distracting and motivating. Some of it was Sound-of-Music level! And Indian Bar itself is incredibly beautiful. Waterfalls coming down in the distance from the glaciers high above, feeding a roaring river braided through huge scree-filled valley. Add a few lush-green meadows, and some peaks above, and you've got quite a visual treat. Very calming, too.

For my return trip back to the trailhead on the 2nd day, the weather was still good, but a bit cloudier, cooler, and hazier. An early morning start gave me some wonderful soft light, and the time to do a bit of off-trail exploring ... though it was somewhat limited due to my full pack. Met a family of 5 or 6 (Sooty?) Grouse after my climb back out of the valley. Didn't seem very concerned about me! Again, some great scenery along the Divide, then a long decent through the lovely forest. Life is good!