My first time on this trail. The parking lot was easily accessible with only a short drive on gravel. Only 2 other cars in the lot on a sunny Wednesday. The restroom was in good shape. Based on the distance/elevation gain I was expecting a non-stop climb but there were several flat sections which provided welcome breaks. There were also some filtered views along the way which brightened the trail and provided some nice glimpses of Rattlesnake Mountain and Mailbox Peak. I would not classify this as a wildflower hike but I still managed to find some wild ginger, red columbine, bluebells, coralroot, goatsbeard, arnica, queen's cup, lupine, bunch berry, penstemon and tiger lily. The bugs were hanging around most of the hike but did not really attack until I reached the viewpoint. I scrambled to apply the bug spray so I could spend some time admiring Mount Rainier and the Chester Morse reservoir below. The summit itself - which is only a short climb further - is underwhelming but the lower viewpoint (apart from the bugs) was spectacular. On the descent, the loose rocks on the lower two-thirds of the trail certainly slowed my progress and my poles saved me from slipping on a couple of occasions. Bring bug spray and your trekking poles on this hike!
9.3 miles, 3,200 feet elevation gain, 5 hours (including a short break at the viewpoint)
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