When the party broke camp and headed south, they continued to follow the old "deeply worn Indian trail." It followed the spine of the Cowlitz Divide. As they entered the forested area the views of Mount Rainier were left behind.

Far down the ridge they joined with a newer trail that led westward toward Stevens Canyon. After dropping down to Nickel Creek, Camp #12 was established at 3,300’ elevation. Their favorite food on the outing, huckleberries, grew larger here than at higher elevations. A hot soup was made from the bountiful supply.