Spray Park Trail

Spray Park Trail is a 6-mile out-and-back from Mowich Lake to broad subalpine meadows above Spray Falls. The route gains about 1,300 feet and is moderate, with a typical outing taking four to five hours if you stop at the viewpoints. I'd choose it for the change from forest to open high country, not for a quick waterfall walk. Much of the approach is under trees; the last climb is steep. Turn around in the extensive meadows to keep to this day-hike version.

The trail starts at the southeast side of Mowich Lake's walk-in campground. Follow the Wonderland Trail for about a quarter mile to the Spray Park junction. From there, the path runs east through mostly open forest, rolling up and down and crossing Lee Creek. Eagle Cliff, about 1.5 miles from the trailhead, is the first big view: From the overlook, Mount Rainier and North Mowich Glacier come into view.

A short spur leaves the main route for Spray Falls, a cascade about 300 feet high. It's a good detour if you want to see the water close up, but return to the junction before continuing uphill. The falls also make a natural shorter destination if you're saving your legs; the meadows are beyond the steepest part.

After the falls junction, the trail climbs steep switchbacks for about half a mile to the first meadow openings. Another half mile brings you into more extensive meadows. This is the hardest part of the 6-mile walk. Once the trees thin, look back toward Rainier and the rocky peaks around the park; summer flowers spread across the open slopes.

These meadows are fragile. Stay on the constructed tread and rest on rocks rather than trampling plants. Spray Park and Spray Falls were likely named in 1883, when a trail crew noticed how the falling water scattered into spray. That old name fits the hike: the waterfall is the first landmark, and the meadows are the main payoff.

For this version, turn around in the extensive meadows. The trail continues toward Seattle Park and the Carbon River as a much longer through-route that needs more planning.

The campground has a privy near the trail entrance and picnic tables, so it's a useful place for a packed lunch before or after the walk. No food service was found along the route, so bring a picnic. Treat creek water before drinking. Pets and bicycles aren't allowed on park trails, and an overnight at Eagle's Roost wilderness camp requires a permit.