Timed entry worked beautifully, no line at 9AM, cruised right in. Plenty of parking at White River Campground. Bathrooms open. Some flowers blooming, some starting to wilt, some still awaiting bloom. Thought we'd escape the heat "down here" and it wasn't too bad on the trail but it's still plenty warm up there and will be all week. Really felt warm on the way back down. Lots of little streams to get your neck bandanas wet to cool off! A few snow patches (some fairly deep) still on the trail but easy to cross, no spikes needed. Melting fast and will most likely be gone soon, especially with the temps forecasted for this week. Marmot popped his head out to say hello when we reached the basin. This is a popular trail but it wasn't very busy like it usually is - most likely the heat kept folks away today. 

Took my 19-year-old son on this day hike to get up close and personal with Mt. Rainier - it succeeded in doing that! Though you do need to have a park pass ($30 day pass or $80 annual for all National Parks) and reserve a timed entry ($2) to get to it. Tip: Although all timed entries were all reserved, they released a bunch more at 7pm the night before our day hike, and it was easy to get one then. Trail is clear of snow except for a few small patches that are easy to walk through in sneakers. Trail is in great condition, much of it wide making it nice to walk side-by-side and talk. Steady uphill grade and almost entirely in the shade which was much appreciated on this super hot day. Multiple creek crossings where you can rest in a cool breeze, collect fresh water if you have a filter, and even soak your feet. We took the side trip up Emmons Moraine, though this trail is completely exposed so we turned around after seeing the view of the gorgeous blue-green lake. There's also lots of erosion on this side trail so be cautious. At Glacier Basin camp we chatted with someone who had attempted to summit Mt. Rainier the night before with a group but unfortunately had to turn around 1400 feet before the summit due to one of them getting "mountain sick." I'm fine with seeing the mountain from the camp, where you realize it's like a small mountain range in itself. Beautiful and not too difficult of a hike!

Wow!  What a gorgeous day in MRNP!  We had a reservation for 7:00-9:00 and cruised through at 8:15 with one car ahead of us (of course, it’s a Monday). Plenty of parking at the White River campground.  Trail is beautifully maintained, and my 13 year old son and I hiked most of it side by side.  We got to Glacier Basin in just about 80 minutes and took a break for pictures and snacks.  We saw a friendly Narnot here too.  In the way back to the trailhead we detoured at the Emmons Moraine Trail.  Just before crossing the bridge we ran into a group that mentioned the lake.  Lake?  They said go straight instead of right at the top of the switchbacks.  We did, and after a scramble downhill enjoyed some time at the gorgeous turquoise lake.  
A great day!  Total distance was 7.7 miles and we headed home to AC on this hot day.  Highly recommended trail! 

Lots of beautiful flowers in bloom and raging creeks. It was nice seeing so much vibrant plant life after living in the desert for so long.

There’s a little snow after the turnoff to sunrise, but our group got by in trail runners.

As our goal for the day was Steamboat Prow, we started at 5 am from the White River campground parking area. A few things to note: timed entry into the park is in effect till September 2 (7am - 3pm). Read more here: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservations.htm

If you want to stay at the campground, find a spot first that doesn’t have a white slip either with a date or more info on the campsite number sign. Once you have found one, fill out the registration slip at the ranger cabin, detach one portion and drop it right there and clip the other portion to the site number of your campsite. No cash. 
First part of the trail is a gentle ascend through lush green forest with wildflowers in bloom and next to the roaring river. The last portion close to the basin is still mainly snow covered but the snow is not hard to cross. The basin is mainly snow free. There’s a backcountry pit toilet close where the permitted campsites are. Glacier lilies are exploding in the basin. We continued on along the ridge till we reached the Inter Glacier. After assessing the risk and conditions, we put on our crampons and headed all the way up to Steamboat Prow. It’s a steep hike that requires expertise and navigational skills. Also, with temperatures constantly changing and days getting warmer, good judgement and knowledge for glacier travel is needed. The snow on Inter Glacier was soft and even softer on the way down. It made for some great glissading. We lucked out with the weather because once we came back to the basin again, the rain started to slowly roll in. The trail to Glacier Basin is very doable for most hikers - but despite this, always prepare for the unexpected and pack your 10 essentials! The hike beyond would require expertise. Overall a great day in the mountains!