WONDERLAND TRAIL, Day 9, North Pyuallup – Mowich Lake, 8/12/2012

It was hard to break camp that morning knowing this was the last day of our adventure. We had a 15-mile day ahead of us, so we did not procrastinate, and before the sun was fully up we were on our way, lucky to scale the first uphill to Golden Lakes before the heat came.

First we passed the Golden Lakes Camp. Very nice area with shallow lakes nearby suitable for a splash. We missed out on not staying there. Not only there was a possibility of a swim, the area of Sunset Park near the camp was full of ripe blueberries and huckleberries. I wish even more the camp was our destination, I could have stayed in that berry meadow for hours enjoying the sweet fruit.

What followed was the longest downhill I have ever experienced. 6 miles to South Mowich Camp on a long never-ending switchbacks. I’m sure the people heading the opposite direction appreciated them but heading down we could definitely use more direct, faster route.

Crossing South Mowich River was also a pearl. There were two bridges, one on each side, and both ended in the middle of the river, yet not even remotely close to each other. Luckily the water was low and we managed to rock hop from one to another. If the water was higher, we would be in trouble. Judging from the surrounding damage this did not seem like a river to be messed with if it’s running high.

A short break at South Mowich Camp, and hurray, the last 4 mile up the hill back to Mowich Lake which once again seemed never-ending.

And then we were back. 93 miles later we stood at Mowich Lake trailhead again, enriched by the amazing experience this trail brings, wishing we could start all over.