Huckleberry Creek, Forest Lake — Thursday, Jul. 3, 2025

Hiked up to Sunrise before it opened! I love this trail as it starts out low and takes you up through all the mt. ecosystems. Few downed trees easy enough to navigate. The jumble of trees at the beginning is cleaned up enough for passage. Prospector Creek was a rock hop although I had water shoes but did not need them. All other bridges passable. Forest Lake is melted out along with the campsite. Bear pole in place. One large snowfield to cross as you near the ridge. You have to cross it 3 times as the trail switchbacks up through it. I did use my spikes and kicked in some good steps. Don't imagine it will last much longer in the warm weather. Water is everywhere so easy to reload. Absolutely spectacular day to do this! I have done it in the fall and made attempts in late spring. Flowers from start to finish and white was the color of the day!

This is the first of 18 treks(our favorite #) into Rainier this summer to honor my brother who passed away in November from pancreatic cancer.During his treatment I was able to share my past attempts and final success of completing this trail. I felt him every step of the way! He even let loose a rock slide in the avalanche field on my way down.