Lots of rain and wind today, but the rest of the week looks quite nice.

Patchy snow from where the new and old trails join. Half the boulder field is snow-free. The snow was slushy all the way to the peak. I wore spikes and appreciated them but most did not use them. A couple deep patches but gaiters were not necessary.

Sunrise run up to Mailbox this morning. Clouds were high up and views were promising. Snow-free first 1mile or so, muddy in some areas. Threw on a pair of spikes once solid snow began. Met up with few other hikers at the top, surprisingly quite a few people were up this early on this cold Satuday. Great view of Mt Rainer and surrounding mountains from the top today. Love having this trail in my backyard.

Started late at 3pm. Trail is muddy almost all the time. I did hit first snow couple hundred feet below intersection with the new trail. Trail is snow covered all the way from boulder field to the summit. I didn't use any traction on my way up but spikes can be helpful. Snow wasn't too deep, hiking shoes worked fine for me. I met last hikers for the day at boulder field and had summit for myself. Spent maybe 5 min on the summit taking photos, putting layers/gloves and spikes on. It started to snow heavily, I couldn't see my boot track on the way down, most likely it will be much more snow tomorrow. Descended old trail with headlamp. 

Poles, spikes, gaiters highly recommended.

• RT Distance: 5.5 Miles
• Elevation: 4000ft
• Time with breaks 04h 12m
• Moving Time: 03h 00m

Got to the upper lot at about 930am. Plenty of cars in the lot, but still several spots left. There are some muddy spots at the start of the trail, but it is pretty well-traveled. It seems like a lot of the snow has melted since the last reports. Snow started about 1.75 miles in. I was wearing the Hoka Speedgoats and never needed to use my microspikes on this hike as the snow was pretty grippy. I ended up giving them to my friend me whose shoes were not so good in the snow. The path was well-traveled in the snow and caused no issues. Very busy on the trail and a little chilly at the top, but had amazing views today.

We found microspikes helpful/necessary. Did Old Trail up, new down. Both lovely. If you lost your water bottle or glove on the trail, check the gate!