For an end of the summer trip the boys and I joined with a couple guys from work to hike in to the Tatoosh Lakes near Packwood on the south side of Mount Rainier.
The trip was an incredible success. We started out with the long drive and a couple Geocaches 
along the way. The boys had to climb up a small cliff to find the first cache. Then we met up with Jim and Dennis at Jim's parent's cabin just north of Packwood. 
The next morning we departed for a quick drive to the trail head. There were a few cars already there and we feared the lake would be full of people. The hike began with 2+ miles of uphill switchbacks through dense stands of cedar, hemlock and fir. We broke out of the woods and traversed across lush sloping meadows to an exposed saddle. As we had the saddle in view we could see a party of about fifteen traversing to the summit of Tatoosh Peak past the cutoff to the lake. This pleased both me and the boys knowing there would most likely be no one at the lake, and added a little energy to the hike. We attained the saddle with renewed energy and continued down the mile or so descent to the lakes. The hike was more strenuous then I anticipated and the boys were real troopers. They made it about two hours in (2 miles or so) before the first, "Are we there yet." I engaged the back up plan quickly getting out the gummy geckos, granola bars and other trail-bribes to calm them for a bit.
along the way. The boys had to climb up a small cliff to find the first cache. Then we met up with Jim and Dennis at Jim's parent's cabin just north of Packwood. The next morning we departed for a quick drive to the trail head. There were a few cars already there and we feared the lake would be full of people. The hike began with 2+ miles of uphill switchbacks through dense stands of cedar, hemlock and fir. We broke out of the woods and traversed across lush sloping meadows to an exposed saddle. As we had the saddle in view we could see a party of about fifteen traversing to the summit of Tatoosh Peak past the cutoff to the lake. This pleased both me and the boys knowing there would most likely be no one at the lake, and added a little energy to the hike. We attained the saddle with renewed energy and continued down the mile or so descent to the lakes. The hike was more strenuous then I anticipated and the boys were real troopers. They made it about two hours in (2 miles or so) before the first, "Are we there yet." I engaged the back up plan quickly getting out the gummy geckos, granola bars and other trail-bribes to calm them for a bit.
Once we hit the saddle and the lakes were in view it was game over and I found it hard to keep the boys from running down the trail. Above is Gabe doing a little trail running of his own.
The camping and fishing was the best ever. Jon and Gabe hit the lakes and ripped open the packs to get at the fishing gear and start.
We set up camp next to the larger of the two lakes and settled in for two days of hanging out and fishing in the woods. The lake was crystal clear and full of perfect sized cutthroat and rainbow trout. All the wildflowers were in full bloom; lupine, paintbrush, heather, and a bunch more.
The rest of the day we fished and settled in. Dinner was a wonderful chicken Alfredo with veggies followed by cocoa and smoores. The next morning was cool and beautiful. We fished all day, landing about 40 or so fish. We kept enough for dinner and enjoyed the fresh trout meal. There was a friendly dad and daughter camping next to the smaller lake just for the night. they greeted us when they arrived and pretty much kept to themselves, enjoying the get-away.
Later in the day we were visited by the local ranger who welcomed us, commented on our perfect choice of timing and location, complimented us on bring the kids into the woods and then informed us that the lake was closed to overnight and campfire use. He regretfully had to cite us (and our neighbors) for camping in a closed area. The fine was not outrageous and he gave us a break due to passing, what he called the "attitude test". As you can see from the posting on the trail head sign (small print) we should have been fined $100/ tent ($300) and an additional $100 for the campfire. 
He allowed us to stay in camp for the remainder of the day and the night due to the lateness of the day and the fact that moving the kids would be difficult. All in all he was a very reasonable ranger; just doing his job. We were a bit surprised that such an incredible place was ours for the taking. I guess we know why now.
The final morning we awoke to high clouds and a really cool temps. The clouds broke shortly after breakfast allowing us to comfortably fish for a bit without worry of weather. We soon began breaking camp and made our way out.
The boys found the need to do their standard pose prior to departing the site. The hike out was uneventful and went by in half the time of the hike in. When we reached the car and Jon knelt to pray. Thankful the hike was DONE.
After the the drive back to the cabin we took a quick dip in the community pool prior to loading up for the ride home. All in all a great time for me and the boys. This was their first real hiking trip carrying their own packs. I am very proud of them.
Tony
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