Yellowstone Cliffs and Windy Gap offer a chance to experience a side of Mount Rainier National Park like no other. Most trails in the park highlight views of the main mountain, but here, it’s more about the surrounding peaks, which make the area seem more like somewhere in Alaska or Montana, rather than Washington.

The Northern Loop trail descends 1,400 feet in two miles from Windy Gap to a camp at Lake James, at 4,370 feet. From Lake James, the route drops to a crossing of the West Fork of the White River, then climbing 2,500 feet towards Grand Park.

Apr 10, 2016 · Nearing Windy Gap, the opportunity for spotting mountain goats, deer and black bears improves in the expansive meadows, and the white crown of Mount Rainier becomes visible above the ridge line. Natural Bridge is Mount Rainier's largest natural rock arch.

Aug 6, 2023 · I did Rainier's Northern Loop back in 2010, and the one place I felt that I really wanted to return to and explore around was Windy Gap. So it took 13 years but I finally made it back. We did a three night trip, with the first night at Ipsut Campground, and two nights in a cross country zone camp a few hundred yards before the pass.

From Windy Gap, follow the Northern Loop alongside a gurgling creek descending through parkland meadows beneath a flank of jagged peaks. After passing a side trail to a backcountry ranger cabin, come to forest-ringed Lake James.

Sep 25, 2005 · Trip report with photos for a climb of the Sluiskin Chief via Windy Pass and west slope at Mt. Rainier National Park.

Sep 20, 2013 · Less than a mile later, stay right at the trail fork for a zigzagging climb to Windy Gap. In 2.4 miles, the lichen-covered Yellowstone Cliffs fill up the skyline. Beargrass, purple lupine, orange Columbia lilies, Indian paintbrush blanket …

Sep 24, 2006 · Trip report with map and photos for a climb of the Sluiskin Squaw via Windy Gap and east face in Mt. Rainier National Park, WA.

Aug 26, 2021 · Today will be tough. After a long descent along Moraine Creek and the Carbon Glacier, we will have a tough climb to Windy Gap along the Northern Loop Trail towards the end of the day.

From here the trail climbs for an additional one mile before it enters the beautiful, boulder-strewn meadows of Windy Gap. Beyond the gap, the route descends 1.5 miles to Lake James and the forest below.