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0012295-R2-009-3 Boardwalk Section at the beginning of the trail.
0012295-R2-011-4 Lower Van Trump Creek
0012295-R2-017-7 Van Trump Creek. Lower section of the creek that follows the trail
0012295-R2-019-8 Trail through old growth forest
0012295-R2-023-10 Rock formation above the trail. Probably from an old lava flow - I will need to research this. Rocks from these formations would creaet talus fields that would need to be traversed later.
0012295-R2-025-11 Bridge below Comet Falls. Once on the bridge look upstream and there is a double cascading waterfall
0012295-R1-033-15 Double falls from the bridge
0012295-R2-029-13 Comet Falls
0012295-R2-035-16 Base of Comet Falls
0012295-R2-037-17 Top of Comet Falls
0012295-R2-039-18 Comet Falls
0012295-R2-043-20 Mount Rainier taken from the Van Trump Trail above Comet Falls
0012295-R1-031-14 Log bridge on Midred Point Trail
0012295-R2-051-24 Mount Rainer from the Mildred Point trail.
0012295-R1-005-1 LEAD Technologies Inc. V1.01
0012295-R1-011-4 Mount Rainier. Picture taken From Mildred Point (5935 feet). Kautz Glacier on the left, Van Trump Glacier on the right.
0012295-R1-017-7 Ridge line on Midred Point Trail. Norhtern section of the Rampart Ridge
0012295-R1-025-11 Mildred Point Trail. Looking down the trail after heading off the point




July 19, 2003 

The second day of my travels I headed to Comet Falls then up to Mildred Point.  I didn't to the side spur to Van Trump Park due to the horrendous amount mosquitoes at the meadow.  This trail is heavily traveled.  I left early in the morning and only caught a glimpse of a couple a head of me.  However on my return from Mildred Point later in the morning/early afternoon, I must have passed close to 50 people.

This trail is heavily traveled.  The trailhead is just past Cougar Rock Campground and the parking area will appear immediately on the left after driving past a 180 degree hairpin.  There are numerous parking areas, it is recommend that you back in since the lot will eventually be jammed with cars.  From this trailhead you can reach Comet Falls (1.8 miles), Van Trump Park (2.5 miles) and Mildred Point (3.5 Miles).

The trail immediately rises and crosses over a larger bridge over Crystal Creek.  The trail then ascend through the old growth forest and parallels the creek.  There are many small side trails that overlook the creek, but the drop of is precarious and care should be taken. 

Eventually you will start to clear the old growth forest and you will cross several talus fields.  The last talus filed the trail will switchback through it and approach the stream.  Once past the talus fields you will come to another bridge.  Upstream of the bridge is a double cascading waterfall.  As you clear the bridge and cross the opposing ridge, Comet Falls will become visible.  There are several places along this area that are great stopping points for lunch or snacks. 

Once at Comet Falls, you can continue to take the trail to Van Trump/Mildred point or take the side trail to the bottom of the falls.  Care should be taken when descending to the falls.  The side slope is slick from the spray.  Once at the bottom of the falls the spray is heavy as is the air flow due to the falls.  Rain gear is actually recommended.  Comet Falls gets its name from the fact that the falls shoot out over the rock face forming a comet like tail. 

Taking the trail to Van Trump, you again start though dense forest, but will thin as you start to reach the top.  Bring bug juice if you are doing this potion of the trail in Mid to late July; the mosquitoes and horse flies are an incredible nuisance.  At the top of the trail you can walk over to the meadow or continue on to Mildred Point and the junction to the Wonderland trail,

Mildred Point

Mired Point trail can be accessed by the Van Trump trail.  The trail heads back down to Van Trump  Stream.  There stream crossing is a log emplaced by NPS.  After crossing the stream the trail follows the stream downstream and starts to climb again above the top of Comet Falls. The trail comes to a junction where you can continue to Mildred Point or can go on to the junction with Wonderland Trail.

Continuing on to Mildred Point, the trail will continue to ascend crossing two incredible high elevation meadows.  After the second meadow, Mt St. Helens can be seen to the south.  The trail will turn north and follow straight up to Mildred Point.  There are no switchbacks and you’ll start to feel it in the calves as the trail becomes increasingly steep.  It is not uncommon to find remaining snow drifts here. 

The first really steep section ( about 20 yards) will be at almost 60-70 degree angle and it feels like your climbing a ladder as you reach out for tufts of grass and tree roots to gain leverage in your climb up the trail. The trail will level until the next steep section of the same length, however the soil is very soft within the trail rut and you have to dig in hard to propel your self up the trail.  Once at the top of the section take time to view Rampart ridge to the east.

Mildred Point now is just up through a stand of trees.  Mildred Point offers incredible views of Mt. Rainier and the bowl, Mt St. Helens to the South.  Follow some of the side trails in the area and you can see Mount Adams. 

 
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