The Trip 14 team assembled mid-day at the Kautz Creek parking lot in Mt. Rainier National Park. This team is day hiking Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and enjoying accommodations at The National Park Inn at Longmire.
The first part of today’s itinerary called for a sandwich lunch followed by an easy 2.3 mile hike with 200 feet of elevation gain.
Trip leader Judi said, “We had perfect weather, a delicious picnic lunch, and Kautz Creek did not disappoint. So beautiful!”
She shared this description of the hike: “This is a moderate incline hike, perfect for an introduction to Mt. Rainier. The trail surface is a mix of sand and stone left here by the creek when it changed course. Through the alders, you can glimpse at the eroded banks along with stands of evergreens still holding their ground. In just over a mile, arrive at a log bridge spanning a branch of Kautz Creek and delivering you to the other side.”
Following a snack break at Kautz Creek, the team returned to the parking lot and drove three miles to The National Park Inn at Longmire.
This evening’s activities: Dinner at the lodge and then gathering in The Fireside Room. The team will hear a short talk titled “The Mountain is Calling,” followed by card games, sharing, and time to get to know fellow hikers.