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WHIDBEY ISLAND WASHINGTON USA
INDIAN HENRY'S HUNTING GROUND
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H O T O G R A P H
E R
WHIDBEY ISLAND WASHINGTON USA
INDIAN HENRY'S HUNTING GROUND
High on Mount Rainier's southwest slopes lies a meadow of surpassing beauty, views out across the peaks and valleys toward Mount Saint Helens and beyond, and at one time, a fair amount of hunting. At least that is what we may deduce from the meadow's name. Nowadays the meadow is home to deer, elk, bears, mountain goats, marmots, and a host of other animals all now securely protected within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. No hunting allowed, except by camera and notepad. Mount Rainier is so rugged and varied from side to side that it looks like a different mountain but the view from Indian Henry's is a classic. The setting in the upper meadow with the Mountain providing the backdrop, the line of alpine firs, the old patrol cabin, and the flowering meadow seems like a perfect post card, especially in the early morning mists. This is a great place to spend a day or several days.
Indian Henry's can be reached via several trails and any approach is a great one. The most often used approach is probably via the Wonderland Trail from Longmire. An approach from the Westside Road via the Tahoma Creek and Wonderland trails is a bit longer with more elevation to gain but is still moderate in difficulty. The most strenuous route in is over the Kautz Creek trail. It is steep and rough for the first couple miles but moderates toward the top of the ridge. Take the time to visit Mount Ararat and Mirror Lakes. From Mirror Lakes you will see one of the most classic views of Mount Rainier.
In the late summer and autumn the meadow comes alive in brilliant color. One year I hiked up via Tahoma Creek in mid September. An 18 inch snowfall had melted off the meadow and the colors were unbelievable. Springtime in the meadow brings an explosion of avalanche lilies, their tender white flowers blooming through lingering patches of winter. This is a lovely place worthy of many visits.