Indian Henry's Hunting Ground via Kautz Creek Trail

Indian Henry's Hunting Ground via Kautz Creek is an 11.5-mile out-and-back from the Kautz Creek Trailhead to subalpine meadows and a historic patrol cabin. It climbs about 3,000 feet through forest before opening onto the high country. Plan on six to eight hours; this is a strenuous hike for people ready for a long, sustained ascent and the same trail back.

The first mile follows Kautz Creek across ground reshaped by a 1947 glacial outburst flood. The route crosses the creek on a log bridge, then climbs through old-growth forest. After another half mile, long switchbacks gain height steeply for about two miles, eventually reaching the south flank of Mount Ararat. The forest eases as the route approaches the meadows.

The trail crosses the meadows, climbs a final ridge, and drops to the Indian Henry's patrol cabin, built in 1915. So-To-Lick, a Native guide, lived in these meadows before the park existed; a mail carrier later gave him the nickname that became their name. This is a substantial backcountry destination, not a short walk to a cabin.

Wildflowers typically bloom from mid-July into late August, and meadow color returns in September and October. The area is also the best place to view South Tahoma Glacier. Near the end, Point Success can appear to be Mount Rainier's summit. For a photo, leave some meadow flowers in the foreground so the peaks have scale and context.

Park at the Kautz Creek picnic area, about three miles east of Nisqually Entrance; the trail begins across the road. The lot has a vault toilet and picnic tables. Pets are not allowed on park trails, and overnight wilderness camping requires a permit. Stay on the marked trail through the fragile meadows.