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August 2nd, 2025: Indian Bar Camp to Box Canyon Trailhead (7.3 miles, 1,348 ft elevation gain)
It was a cold morning; the air smelled of smoke, and a notable haze hung in the air. There was a wildfire somewhere. It wasn’t so bad as to be worrisome, but it looked like our perfect run of weather was over. I was still able to enjoy the first rays of alpenglow on the peaks over the Indian Bar Valley.
After one last look at the crashing Wauhaukaupauken Falls, our final morning began with a small but steep climb to the Cowlitz Divide. Despite the grade of the trail, we were all going rather quickly. I think we were all ready to get home.
As I reached the summit of the climb, I stopped to catch my breath, turned around, and saw a wonderland. Rolling hills, misty valleys, wildflowers, evergreens, and Rainier bathed in early morning light. It was by far the most beautiful vista along the trail, and to think I almost missed it. I let Kyle and Nick go ahead so I could capture this moment.
I caught back up with the guys as the trail went up and down along the ridge, providing great views on each side. A massive cloud inversion covered the valleys like a blanket. The sun was a dull, hazy orange color due to the wildfire smoke in the air. The miles went quickly in this section here as we left the meadows behind and entered old-growth forest.
One thing of note is that this section of the trail was more narrow than usual, and the grasses encroached heavily on the pathway. Subsequently, the morning dew soaked our legs and feet. It made me feel like I was back in the dense forests of Appalachia again.
After a very quick 5 miles of singing the Planet of the Apes musical as we cruised downhill, we passed the junction with the Cowlitz Divide Trail and continued on the Wonderland Trail switchbacking down past Nickel Creek camp. While taking a very short break, I realized we were within 2 miles of finishing the trail. I asked Kyle and Nick if they wanted to know how close we were, and they declined. They wanted to be surprised.
Nickel Creek awaited us shortly after the camp, and we crossed our last footlog (I’m getting sad just thinking about it). The last mile of the hike was a gentle stroll through the woods. We heard the sound of Stevens Canyon Road before we even saw it. Cars driving by, and families enjoying the nice weather. As Box Canyon came into view, we were delighted/relieved to see Nick’s Mini Cooper was still there, untouched.
On 08/02/2025 at approximately 09:00 hours, almost exactly 7 days from when we started it, Kyle, Nick, and I completed a 93-mile, clockwise thru-hike of the Wonderland Trail. As we left the park, hundreds of cars were lined up for miles trying to get in.
Within a few hours, we were back at Nick’s condo in Seattle. After a much-needed call to the family and a grocery store trip. Nick grilled smash burgers, we drank way too much beer, and we celebrated well into the night. Kyle departed the next morning, and I the following night. Sad to be done, but happy to be homeward-bound.
Camp Reviews
None… 😢, but don’t worry. I’ve included the Planet of the Apes musical scene from The Simpsons for all you heathens that have no idea what the hell that is.
Day 8 Top Highlight
I’m really tempted to say that first taste of a fountain Coke after a week… But we’ll keep it to the trail and say the view of Rainier after climbing out of Indian Bar.
Notable Quote(s)
“Yeah, the Wonderland Trail is cool and all, but have you ever had a Coke from McDonald’s?” — Me, definitely not being sarcastic.
Previously: Wonderland Trail: Day 7 (Summerland to Indian Bar)
Next: Wonderland Trail 2025: Epilogue