Hike to Spray Park
Ashford, Washington
Details
Distance
7 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Greg Balkin
Perfect views of Mt. Rainier with a 0.25mi detour to Spray Falls. Less crowded than main entrances to Rainier.
The trailhead to Spray Park begins at the Mowich Lake Campground (4,929 ft). You'll begin descending quickly for the first 0.1 miles until you reach the Wonderland Trail junction. Head left and make your way up a steady climb for the next 1.7 miles. The first stop you'll come across is Eagle Cliff - a fenced viewpoint high above Spray Creek with your first view of Rainier. Soon after you'll pass Eagle's Roost Camp (4,885 feet), which is an awesome place to spend the night.
At this point, there's a short 0.25 mile detour to Spray Falls. You have to take it. It's definitely worth the extra time and effort to see this massive waterfall cascading down the rocks.
Once you've finished your detour hike, it's time for some switchbacks and quick elevation gain. Fight through the pain because as soon as you clear the forest, you'll enter into the start of the beautiful meadows (~6,400 feet). From here on out, anywhere would be a good place to stop and rest. Flowers are blooming all over, Rainier is towering off in the distance, and snowmelt makes its way through the fields. It feels like this is where all fairytales are based off of.
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Hike to Spray Park Reviews
Although it's been a few years since hiked through Spray Park it's one of my favorite spots in MRNP. Can't beat the views on a clear day and avalanche lilies right after the snow melts! Hope to be back soon on a return trip to observation and echo rock.
5.0
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