Got to the
Knox Creek trailhead at 1PM on a totally beautiful October day (the last nice day of the year'). On road 4308, saw lots of hunters with orange vests --- was concerned about being a target. Started hiking up the switchbacks through what would have been a stunning flower filled meadow in August, but was a wilted field in October. Traversed across a ridge: the Knox Creek trail is on a south face --- there was no snow. Looked across at North face of canyon: patchy snow at ~4000'. More switchbacks up to the Kachess Ridge trail. Right below the ridge, starting getting a view of Stuart. Turned right at top of ridge. After walking through a pleasant forest (very minor snow on the ground at 5200'), came to a clearing. I was distracted, glanced south, and jumped in surprise --- I didn't expect to see Rainier in its full glory! After about 0.5 miles, took a short detour to the right to look down at Thorp Lake. After meeting the Thorp Lake trail (#1316), turned left and went up short steep trail #1315B to Thorp Mtn lookout. Great views of Rainier, Stuart, Lemah, Daniel, Alta Peak, Three Queens. Took 1 hour 20 minutes up, lounged around for 30 minutes, took 1 hour down. Didn't see anyone else on the trail at all. Great finish for a great 1998 hiking season.