8.8 miles, 1170' gain, 2930' descent

The first part of this trail doubles as the Grand Park from Sunrise hike. From Sunrise, head to Frozen Lake, descend through a dry alpine landscape below the cliffs of Burroughs Mountain, then follow Lodi Creek down into the lush meadows of Berkely Park. Enter the forest, descend a bit more, refill water bottles while you have the chance because there's a dry section of trail coming up, then climb through forest to Grand Park.

The Northern Loop trail merely skirts the edge of Grand Park, but it's well worth a detour into this special place. It's a flat open space created by an old lava flow, offering excellent views of Rainier.

Back on the main trail, you will soon come to a viewpoint over the valley of the West Fork White River. Boy, that's a long way down, and a long way back up the other side. Tomorrow, eh!

Into the woods, and downward. Fire Creek Camp is at the end of a 0.4 mile spur off the Northern Loop trail, so situated because this creek is the only water source for miles around. When I visited it was a mere trickle, but I guess "Fire Dribble Camp" doesn't quite have the same ring to it :-)

My campsite was slightly too well provisioned, with a lovely log seat at the base of a tree. Time spent reading while leaning against the tree made my back twinge. This is NOT the time or place for me to develop a back issue...