Indian Henry's Two Ways

We had a wedding reception Saturday - two actually but we couldn't go to both so we picked one and hiked on Sunday instead.

We had never done the hike to Indian Henry's from either direction so we chose the steeper, shorter route from Kautz Creek trail. The trail begins very flat and continues until you cross where the creek used to flow and then it climbs in earnest.





Our first time hiker posing with Mt Rainier.
 

 

This route is obviously less travelled. We passed a young couple early on and saw no one else until we reached Indian Henry's. Hiking this route requires you to check behind you regularly on a clear day as first Mt. Adams and then Mt. Hood appear behind you as you climb.

There were ripe huckleberries along the way and we did our best to pick some as we went. As you approach Indian Henry's this time of year a sea of wildflowers with Mt Rainier dominating the skyline welcomes you to your destination.

We spoke to some section and through hikers at Indian Henry's since it is on the Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates Mt Rainier in 93 miles or so. We ate lunch and decided to take our chances getting a ride from Longmire to Kautz Creek and opted to hike the 7 mile Wonderland trail route to Longmire down. The trail is less steep and in better condition so we thought it would take about the same amount of time and be safer descending.

I forgot to mention that we had a first time hiker with us. She was obviously very fit since she either set pace or followed the pace setter both ways. We all likely have sore feet after 13 miles, but she had a rock star hiking debut.

We arrived at Longmire and quickly found a Park Ranger who agreed to transport 2 of us to Kautz Creek to retrieve our cars. We elected to send the 2 youngest women as a treat to him.

All in all we ended up with right around 13 miles and 4000 ft of elevation gain on a spectacular day in Mt Rainier National Park. A useful day in the park for sure.

Be very well and more soon.....