8 miles, 2300' gain, 3000' descent

On our second day, the "Wonder" part of the Wonderland really kicked in. We retraced our steps up to Indian Henry's Hunting Grounds, and explored the side spur to the attractive Mirror Lakes. Then comes a Big Down, switchbacking through forest into the valley of Tahoma Creek, which is crossed on a dramatic and wobbly suspension bridge.

Upward again, through a fascinatingly bizarre and desolate landscape of volcanic rock forms modified by glacial erosion. We ascended a lateral moraine, and although I was delighted with the composition of our hiking group, it was unfortunate that none of us were geologists. Note to self: find and befriend more geologists, so they can explain exactly what I'm looking at on future trips.

The climb tops out at Emerald Ridge, which is a high and almost shockingly green meadow with amazing views over the Tahoma Glacier and down the valley of the South Puyallup River. An incredible spot for lunch, and also the start of our second Big Down of the day. The trail consists of loose rock as it descends a sometimes narrow and precarious/exposed ridge toward the South Puyallup River: careful footing is essential here.

What a day. What a trail. What a mountain.