*Well worn path at the beginning of the hike on the Rainforest Loop*

The shorter drive to the Carbon River entrance at Mt. Rainier National Park enticed me to tag Florence Peak (5501’) as it is one of the easier peaks to access and has a way trail all the way along Alki Crest, making travel pleasant. The Boundary Trail starts right at the Carbon River entrance, and the park is maintaining at least the first section to the creek crossing and falls. Irish Creek was running fast and I dropped a bit below to cross, but it was still a bit dicey on the slippery scale. On the way up the trail I saw a well used log that would be a much better alternative on the way back.

The great thing about Florence is that the Boundary Trail takes you right to the saddle, and a social trail continues up Alki Crest right to the false summit of Florence; no ‘schwacking at all beyond stepping around or over a fallen tree. An easy scramble to the summit bloc proper allows 360 degree views. Although somewhat cloudy, the main mass of Rainier was visible as one peered at it across the ridge housing Tolmie Peak fire lookout and, beyond that, Observation and Echo Rocks. A big plus was that it was still early enough in the season (May 26) that there were no bugs to deal with. I lingered for a while, got my drink and snack on, took some pics and 360 video, then retraced the path. There was an aborted attempt to access Sweet Peak but I found myself in gawdawful slide alder and devils club, sometimes over blowdown, snow and mossy rocks. I figured I had made some poor navigation decisions and determined that best course of action was to make my way back to the trail and leave Sweet Peak for another day.

*Irish Creek waterfall on the Carbon River Boundary Trail*

Florence was my first peak of 2023 and is number 66 on my 100 list. With luck, I may be able to top out on 10 more peaks this season amidst a very busy summer and fall. Happy Hiking and be safe out there!