The goal today was to explore crevasses on the Nisqually glacier and practice our ice climbing technique. Aleesha and Lucas asked that we group up at the Longmire Ranger Station at 7am. No Bueno.
I picked Miles up from his place at 4:35am this morning. Arriving at the Mt. Rainier Park Entrance at 6:35am. There was only a line of about eight cars, no concern in order to get in before the 7am cutoff. Anytime after that and we’d have needed a timed entry permit. However, even with the timed entry procedure all over-night parking was full and we were just able to grab a couple of the last spots in the over parking just before the loop out of Paradise into the valley.
We geared up, hiked up the Skiline trail and made it to the Nisqually Glacier by 9:30am. It was an almost perfect about 65 degrees at on the Nisuqally Galcier. We set up a couple top rode anchors with ice screws and took turns climbing in and out of crevasses. The ice was dirty and we’d all need to wash our faces after leaving Paradise.
We debrifed, then broke off for the day. It was hot at Paradise, about 80 degress, and I looked forward to dipping in the Nisqually River far below in the vally. I descended from Paradise into the valley in search of a campsite for the night. However, every campsite, front and back country were full. The Rangers said the White River had 14 available FCFS campsites available at 2:30pm. However, by the time I called it was already 3:00pm and it’d take another hour for me to get around to that area. They said everything was booked up, even the Carbon River dispersed campsites. But looking at the map it looked like there would be camping on Forest Service Road 52, on the way to Packwood.
I drove out towards Packwood, passing a mile of cars as they waited to get into the park. Driving down the FS52, I ventured down a side road and parked at the end of a county road (Ridge Road). I walked down to the river and found a fine, secluded campsite down on the river bed.
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