Arrived using a 9am to 11am reservation and there was no line at the entrance. So far I am really liking the new system.
Arrived at Sunrise and had to park on the road as the lot was full, but not too far away. Hit the trail around 10:45am. The trail is dusty from the lack of precipitation, but in good shape otherwise. Some bugs, particularly at the top of the second Burrough, and some persistent black flies. We did see a huge herd of about 30 mountain goats just off the trail from the first to second Burrough!
Reached the third Burrough around 1:00pm. I've been out to the second Burrough before but had not continued on to the third. The third is well worth the effort. It does feel much closer to the mountain, much higher, and gives views of the north side of Rainier and down to the Winthrop Glacier that you don't get from the second.
On our way back down from the third we witnessed an enormous rockfall from near the top of the third. I estimated it was about a schoolbus worth of rock that cut loose. Good reminder to stay away from the top or bottom of edges unless you need to be there.
We opted to return to Sunrise via Glacier Basin. This route descends steeply waaay down towards the Inter Fork. Once on the Glacier Basin trail the going is flat and easy. Arriving at White River around 4:00pm, we had a little trouble finding the turn-off for the Wonderland Trail back to Sunrise. It's hidden next to the historic cabin (with a sign facing in only one direction). You do have the benefit of bathrooms and a water fountain at the campground. The return to Sunrise from the White River Campground is arduous. 3.3 miles and about 2000' elevation gain. Heck of a way to end a day. Arrived back at the car around 5:30pm.
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