The Trip 4 team successfully completed their hike and came off the trail at the Chinook Pass Trailhead at about 9:30 a.m. Monday.
Trip leader Dan reported:
“Everybody came off the trail fine. The crew got up early and we hit the trail early. We all ended our hike happy and healthy and relaxed.
“There’s a lot of smoke in the area so the views weren’t as good as we hoped for, though we all had a great time.”
The Trip 4 team handed off the llamas and the community gear to the Trip 5 team.
Trip 5 Update
The Trip 5 team hit the trail at about 11:15 a.m. Monday. They are hiking from the Chinook Pass Trailhead to Crystal Road via Norse Pass, northbound, over four days. They will cover approximately 21 miles.
By 1 p.m., assistant trip leader Eric reported:
“Arrived at Sheep Lake camp. All is well. About 2 miles today. 160 feet cumulative up. 120 feet cumulative down.”
Mid-afternoon Monday, trip leader Linda reported:
“Trip 5 had a great start! Already working together as a team to load llamas and gear. Strong hiking to Sheep Lake. We are on prime lake property with a view of Sourdough Gap. About to get a rip roarin’ game of Farkle going. We will climb Sourdough Gap tomorrow.”
Wta.org says of Sheep Lake:
“Sheep Lake is nestled in a subalpine area that explodes with wildflowers in July and August. … The hike to Sheep Lake is a … gentle climb on a good trail. … The hillside is decorated with wildflowers in the summer and red huckleberry plants in the fall. Although the trail dips in and out pockets of trees, the views are quite good, and you can get a bird’s eye view of the deep valley of the Rainier fork of the American River. You will also be treated to glimpses of Mt. Rainier and Naches Peak.”