*2019 Peak bagging outing utilizing Boundary Trail*

I’ve already mentioned that I’m working on the 100 Peaks in Mt Rainier National Park list, and these two circuits would add 10 more to my count. There are historical aspects here also: 100 years ago an early iteration of the Wonderland Trail went over Chenuis Mountain. Also, the Boundary Trail has been in various states of presence. A few years ago I used the Boundary Trail leaving from the Mowich Lake road during a peak bagging outing (Martin/August/Virginia/Berry) and it was in good shape all the way to a road intersection. The Boundary Trail is also nice out of Carbon River for a stretch; climbers use this to step off at the end to access Sweet and Florence Peaks. I would try to find remnants of the Boundary Trail between these two segments and connect them, descending to cross Tolmie Creek. After climbing Florence Peak, the route travels along Alki Crest to Howard Peak, Rust Ridge to climb Arthur, then back to traverse the ridge that includes Berry and Virginia Peaks, regaining the southern part of the Boundary Trail to regain the Mowich Lake road.

*Neglected bridge on the Boundary Trail, Mt. Rainier National Park*

The Northern Circuit would start at Carbon River, taking the trail that ascends past Chenuis falls to gain the Chenuis ridge, hitting the successive peaks of Tirzah, Wallace and Tyee. Gaining the Northern Loop Trail, a short distance past Windy Gap would be the off trail portion to climb Sluiskin Squaw (The Chief is classified as a climb and would require a partner; I’m assuming I will be solo). Then Redstone, which has a class 4 pitch to the summit…I will take a look and see if it’s doable. Then back on the NLT to break off and head north to Pigeon Peak, backtracking to continue CW on the NLT all the way to Mystic Lake. I climbed Mineral Mountain in 1984, but a revisit is in order, then continuing up Curtis Ridge (one of my favorite areas of the park) to approximately 9200’ to a notch above the snowfield to gaze upon the Willis Wall. Then a cruise of the NLT, which undoubtedly be a welcome treat for the feet, all the way to the Green Lake Trail to break off for the Gove Peak climb, coming full circle to the Carbon River entrance. I anticipate this Northern Circuit to be a minimum 3 day trip, perhaps 4 due to the extensive amount of off trail across the Chenuis Mountains and Curtis Ridge.

*Looking down on Windy Gap and exit point (left) from Chenuis Mountains traverse.*

*Sluiskin Squaw (left) and Chief from Old Desolate*

*Old Desolate and Mineral Mountain (right) from below Curtis Ridge*

Back in the day I used to run the Northern Loop Trail in 12 hours as an ultra trainer; this is a lovely area of the park and one I have spent many a day exploring. Morphing the NLT into a peak bagging excursion will allow me to explore this area further afield from the trail.