The crowds were out in full force for the holiday weekend. The main lot was full, and many people parked at a paid lot down the road and walked on the shoulder to the trailhead.
We passed many people on our way up, including lots of kids and dogs. The trail is in good condition with very few drainage/brush issues. I was happy to see that saw teams had cleared two trees that were down the last time I hiked here.
I asked one young person to please not cut the switchbacks because it contributes to erosion on this very heavily trafficked trail. There are already social trails on many of the switchbacks, but please avoid using them and walk the extra 10 or so feet to the actual turn! I picked up some small pieces of trash, but overall people seemed to be practicing leave no trace.
There were a dozen or so people enjoying the view from the south launch, even with no Rainier view, by the time we got up there around 2:30. This was an extra special day because we got to paraglide down!
#HiketheState
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