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Author:
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Backpacker Magazine
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Activity:
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Hiking
ActivitySearchHiking
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State:
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Washington (WA)
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Distance:
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12.4 mi
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Difficulty:
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5 / 10
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USGS Topo Map:
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Wahpenayo Peak, Mount Rainier West
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Rating:
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Unrated
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The first mile-long stretch of trail travels across the Kautz Creek mudflow, which was formed in 1947 from sediment and boulders deposited by a glacial flood. Another flood-of-the-century charged through in November 2006. After a mile, cross Kautz Creek on a split-log footbridge—clear days reveal 14,410-foot Mount Rainier rising dramatically behind the creek. The trail steepens at this point and climbs several switchbacks that zigzag above the creek. After five miles, cruise across wildflower-filled meadows beneath Mount Ararat, then head northwest on Wonderland Trail to the Mirror Lakes spur trail. Follow this 0.6-mile path to a small group of lakes tucked beneath South Tahoma Glacier. No camping allowed.
Editor's Note: Floods in 2006 might have slightly altered the route identified on our map.
TO TRAILHEAD: From Seattle, take I-5 S to I-405 N to WA 167 S to WA 512 W to WA 161 S to WA 7 S to WA 706 E to Elbe, WA. Continue on WA 706 E for 13.6 miles to the Nisqually entrance. Continue straight on Paradise Rd. for 3.4 miles to trailhead parking on right.
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Datum: |
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1
| Dist: 6.20 mi |
Points: 449 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
Mirror Lakes
MIR001
Location: 46.736183°, -121.855736°
Hike north on Kautz Creek Trail. This gentle stretch of trail runs across the Kautz Creek mudflow where sediment and 13-foot boulders were deposited by the Kautz Glacier outburst flood in 1947.
MIR002
Location: 46.747063°, -121.848160°
Cross Kautz Creek on split-log footbridge (use caution during high water). On clear days, you'll see 14,410-foot Mount Rainier rising dramatically to the northeast behind the creek. Trail narrows ahead.
MIR003
Location: 46.757011°, -121.853188°
Ascend several switchbacks that zigzag above Kautz Creek; prepare for steep climb through old-growth forest.
MIR004
Location: 46.766964°, -121.853233°
Hike northwest; terrain levels briefly.
MIR005
Location: 46.770397°, -121.855362°
Tackle 12 switchbacks that climb east. In 0.3 mile, head north to a narrow saddle.
MIR006
Location: 46.775383°, -121.850754°
Continue heading north past an unnamed 5,115-foot summit that rises on the right. Ahead, trail travels north toward Mount Ararat, passing through the expansive meadows of Indian Henrys Hunting Ground.
MIR007
Location: 46.793404°, -121.840530°
Turn left @ T-junction onto Wonderland Trail; hike northwest through an alpine meadow dotted with seasonal wildflowers.
MIR008
Location: 46.794994°, -121.842972°
Trail curves to the right, heading northeast.
MIR009
Location: 46.795528°, -121.841637°
Bear right @ Y-junction onto 0.6-mile spur trail to Mirror Lakes.
MIR010
Location: 46.801315°, -121.834702°
Mirror Lakes: This small group of aptly-named lakes is nestled at the foot of South Tahoma Glacier. On wind-free days, look for the reflection of Mount Rainier's glacier-covered slopes. To return to trailhead, retrace your route.
