Читать книгу One Night Wilderness: Portland. Quick and Convenient Backcountry Getaways within Three Hours of the City онлайн

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Since there is nowhere to camp on Pyramid Peak, backpackers should go instead to Pyramid Park, a more difficult-to-reach but equally spectacular destination. To reach it, follow the trail toward Pyramid Peak from the meadowy saddle for about 0.3 mile, and then go cross-country to the left, angling moderately steeply uphill to a rocky, above-timberline ledge on the northeast side of Pyramid Peak. Follow this rugged ledge for about 0.8 mile to a high, often windy saddle north of the peak, where you will enjoy up-close-and-personal views of Mt. Rainier that are so incredible the word “great” just doesn’t do them justice.

From this rocky saddle you scramble steeply downhill, going southeast across boulder fields, meadows, and scree slopes to the rolling meadowlands, springs, and tree islands of Pyramid Park. Tall but unnamed waterfalls drop into and off the edge of this alpine parkland, while the banks of the gently meandering creeks that cross the flats are choked with yellow monkeyflowers, western anemones, grass-of-Parnassus, and other wildflowers. There are also great views to the west of Pyramid Peak and northeast to Mt. Rainier, which has a rather lopsided appearance from this angle. More distant views extend to the south and southeast of the Tatoosh Range, Mt. Adams, the Goat Rocks, and Mt. St. Helens. You can camp almost anywhere in this parkland, although, as always, you should select a rocky or sandy area that is well away from the delicate alpine wildflowers and grasses. If you schedule more than one night here, you can visit all of the waterfalls and enjoy the excellent scenery.