Cedar River Divide 2015-03-13

14.41 miles and 4,356 feet of elevation gain.

A very long out and back hike mostly on roads, but it was quite and had some nice views. 

Google Maps link

The trail to the base of the old railroad bridge.

Did someone not enunciate properly when they told the sign maker what to put on the sign?  It should read Hall Creek not Hull Creek.

Hall Creek from the bridge.

While crossing the bridge, you can look up at the ridge the trail will ascend.  The trail goes up the side of the ridge and passes by the base of those rocks before attaining the ridge top.

 

 Did the boulder land there or did the surrounding rock fall away leaving this part intact?

 

 

Two hundred feet farther up the trail traverses through a small enclave in the rocks.

 

 Watch for this split in a dark thicket of fir trees on the shortcut trail by Change Pond.  Don't go to the pond. 

The turn off for Change Peak just before crossing the Great Wall.

Not much tree cover from the sun, had to wear the floppy hat.

 

On top of the divide looking down to Chester Morse Lake and the No Trespassing sign for the Cedar River Watershed. 

 

Chester Morse Lake and Masonry Pool (the little skinny part)

And, of course, a view of Mt Rainier or the native name Ti'Swaq if you prefer. 

Which is the best picture or Blue?

 

 Mid-Mountain Mountain from the start of the spur road.

 Mt Washington on the left right behind the Great Wall, Change Peak on the left.

Looking down the ridge from Mid-Mountain Mountain.