Trip Date: April 15, 2006
Elizabeth Ridge Ski Loop
Mowich Meadows
Mowich Lake
Elizabeth Peak (5520+ ft)
Trip Report Summary
Region: Southern Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Mt. Rainier Massif
Area: Mt. Rainier National Park
Starting & Ending Point: Mowich Lake Road snow blockage (Elev. 3700 feet)
Way Points: Paul Peak Trailhead parking lot & Mowich Meadows & Mowich Lake Ranger Station & Elizabeth Ridge & Mowich Meadows (ski tour)
Summit: Elizabeth Peak (ski ascent via Southeast Ridge; ski descent via North Ridge)
Approximate Stats: 8 miles traveled; 2000 feet gained & lost; 7.3 hours elapsed.
Full Trip Report
Here are photos and a map from Saturday’s ski tour in the Mowich Lake area with Fay and Eileen. We were readily able to drive up the Mowich Lake Road to within about 1/2 mile of the winter gate (elev. 3700 feet) before deeper snow stopped us.
Starting on skis from the car, we enjoyed partly sunny weather enroute to Mowich Lake, where steady snowfall, gusty wind, and cold temps prompted us to take lunch under cover at the ranger’s cabin. An audacious and voracious camp-robber jay welcomed us in with open beak; after snatching Fay’s sandwich right from her hand, he started eyeballing Fay and Eileen! I was glad to be the heaviest person in our trio.
- Jim, Eileen, and Fay At Mowich Cabin
We toyed with the idea of traversing around to Lee Creek, but an icy crust quickly kicked us into Plan B: a loop over the top of Elizabeth Ridge. This turned out to be a delight. Open forest (but icy snow) on the eastern flank led to the summit of “Elizabeth Peak.”
- Fay and Eileen On Elizabeth Peak
This was followed by a fun descent of interconnected powder-snow glades on the northern flank. We intersected the road at 4800 feet and made a fast kick-and-glide return to the car.
- Eileen and Fay Skiing Upper Glade
- Eileen and Fay Descending Ridge
Route Map
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge…
