hello fellow hikers!
Wanting to do this hike before its closed for the summer, my boyfriend & i set out to see Rainier at sunset. We had the top to ourselves for about 20 minutes. Before a group of ladies came up, celebrating one of the hiker's last radiation treatment. It was really powerful and moving watching them celebrate her accomplish, her health, and the power of friendship. At one point, one of the hikers said "Life is so beautiful, isn't it". Having views of Mt Rainier, Adams, Hood, and Helens, I'd say yes, yes it is <3
Trail: I picked up a quart size Ziploc bag of trash and TP on the trail (gross). I think this hike attracts a lot of people with minimal hiking experience and maybe an underdeveloped respect for the outdoors. So please pack out your trash, friends :')
Wildflowers: There were some Indian paint brushes and lupines blooming alongside the trail on the way up.
Parking: We arrived around 4 pm on a Monday night and there was plenty of parking. Also, WTA's site says there are no bathrooms at the trailheads, so plan ahead!
Road: The forest road is in bad she. We had a Toyota Tacoma, which had no problems. There was an array of cars at the trailhead. Smaller, lower cars will just need more time to get through the mess of potholes.
Bugs: Bugs were bad in the forested section of the trail, but not bad at the top!
Final Stats: 3.9 miles, 1335 ft of elevation gain, 3.5 hours, including our break at the top
happy hiking!
-Lauren is Exploring
IG: @laurenisexploring_
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