Be advised that there is a huge rut on the FS road as you head from pavement to gravel. If you're speeding you could have serious problems with your car.
6 of us got to the parking lot for a 6:30 Tuesday morning start and there were only 4 other cars (backpackers) in the lot. By 2 p.m. when we returned the lot was 1/2 full but most of the people were either doing Bandera or backpacking to Rainbow/Island -- we didn't see them. Northwest Forest Pass is required; kiosk is available at this trailhead. Latrines are stocked and clean. Check out McClellan Butte due south before heading up the trail nad watch for peeks at Rainier as you ascend.
The route is in good condition with lots of wildflowers and stellar views. Bugs are annoying but spray/bug nets were helpful. The lake is definitely worth going in. If you go early enough, you'll hear picas in the boulders and may even feel underground caverns - refrigeration - providing a little cooler air pockets in the first boulder field.
We had 19 bird species on the morning, with bear grass, Indian Paintbrush, tiger lilies, and more. Past their peak but still incredibly beautiful. No bears (saw one here 4 years ago). Bring AT LEAST 3 liters apiece; leader drank close to a gallon.
CHS-2 pace (Mountaineers Conditioning for Hiking Series) started out 2.6 mph but by 40 minutes when we started gaining elevation we dropped to 2.2 and reached Mason Lake in 1:40. After a 15-minute fuel and hydration break (including visits to the official toilet - no TP but still space) we started up to the summit with good looks at Adams, Rainier, Baker, Stuart, Lake Kulla Kulla and Mason Lake. A small group of 4-6 came up after us from their camping spot. We saw a handful of hikers, trail runners, backpackers, and a few dogs (oh my, those poor, poor dogs in this HEAT!!)
I strongly recommend participants have some rudimentary skills in scrambling or someone with steep hiking experience in your party to coach anyone feeling nervous down the steep scrambly-route. I demonstrated hand and foot positions and gave some advice to a new-to-steep-and-dusty student directly behind me. The dirt IS VERY DRY and some of the steeper areas give way pretty readily. The exposed ascent and descent added to our total time but we still managed 2.0 mph average pace for the round trip.
The highlight besides the stellar view was the time at the lake when we all could enjoy our success and wade in the water. After about 45 minutes, we headed back to the cars in pretty significant heat, but fortunately it was all downhill. I don't advise going up much later than we did (especially 7/16), as it was pretty hot. If possible do this on an overcast or cooler day.
All in all a lovely outing with a hearty group of hikers.
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