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First and foremost, I have to give a big shout out to my co-worker, and friend, Ginger for accompanying me on this fantastic trek. However, I must offer my utmost apologies to another co-worker, and friend, who sadly didn't get to come due to techical difficulties, resulting from improper use of a cell phone by your's truly. Lauren, I'm so sorry you didn't get to come, but I'll for sure take you with us next time, and believe me, there will be a next time. :)
After discussing our route over morning coffee at Starbuck's, Ginger and I set out for Rampart Ridge, jamming it up to Paramore all the way up the mountain. Yes, it was epic. We knew there something stirring in the air, we could feel it. The weather had been slightly bad during the week, and there was fresh dusting of snow up in the foothills on the drive there. Ranger's reported there was at least one foot of snow at the top of the ridge as of March first, so there was a possibility (with all the new snow) that the top would be un-hikable. Would we actually make it to the top? It was anybody's gamble...
Rampart Ridge is actually a remnant of a large lava flow that occured the last time Mt. Rainier errupted over 5,000 years ago. From the Longmire Historic District, the ridge looks daunting -- jetting vertically straight out of the hillside. Have no fear, though, the trail is very well maintained and only up at the view point do you ever actually look "straight down" -- and there's a safety railing there. Once taking the spur trail to the view point, Ginger and I stopped for a quick snack. On a good day, you should be able to see the Nisqually River, the Longmire Histortic District, Eagle Peak, and Mt. Rainier all from this one perch. Low clouds hung in the valley we just ventured from, but by the time we had woofed down all our food, swift winds had carried most of the fog across the top of the opposite side. We gasped in awe as Eagle Peak came into view, and we felt a sense of accomplishment peering down at the tiny complex of Longmire.
(Longmire, and the Nisqually River from the View Point)
(Stunning Eagle Peak)
Once down, and around the other side of the ridge, we came to a long open expanse offering equally amazing views. However it was also on the side of the cliff, covered in three feet of slippery, slick snow! Not being able to see what was underneath the white fluffly stuff was a little unnerving, considering we were on the narrowest part of the trail with sheer cliff faces on either side. "Heels first!" was the motto we kept shouting to each other, but even with adequate hiking boots we still slipped and slid in the snow. It was scary...we almost didn't make it...Ginger nearly went hurling over the edge!!!!...okay, so it wasn't that bad, but it was scary. After our racey brush with death on the top of the Ramparts, we met up with the "Wonderland Trail" and made our slow, and jostling descent back down to Longmire. Streams and tiny trickling waterfalls forever weaved their music back and forth alongside the trail. Pine Siskins, Mountain Chickadees, Grey Jays, and Stellar "Blue" Jays sang high in the tree tops, and I could've sworn I heard an elk, even though we never saw any. By the end of the 5 mile hike, we were exhausted, and hungry. So, of course, once again, the "Copper Creek Inn" served as our reward for climbing the mountain (well...part of it anyway). The fire and the hot cocoa were the perfect end to a perfect day off. Thanks again Ginger for coming with me! It was a blast. Here's to making great memories, and hopefully more of 'em as the weather starts to warm up. :)
Check out our amazing journey, and be sure to check back soon for more updates!
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