Starting from Narada Falls TH, we did a loop: Ruby Falls→Lower Lakes trail→High Lakes trail→lower Mazama Ridge trail→Wonderland→Pinnacle Peak→Wonderland→Narada Falls TH. 8 miles, 2000' cumulative gain.
Many of us had done portions of this route on various snowshoe trips; so, it was nice to see how things looked during the summer. The short side trip to Pinnacle Saddle long with our loop route made it worthwhile to come all the way to the national park (versus just Pinnacle Saddle, only). Starting early (7:30AM) avoided the traffic and crowds. An amazing variety of blooming wildflowers in the open meadows along the High Lakes trail. Just before reaching Faraway Rock, we paused to watch a family of grazing Black-tailed deer before they bounded into the trees. We didn't encounter others until reaching Reflection Lakes. We had a leisurely lunch stop at Pinnacle Saddle while watching the ebb & flow of clouds in front of Mt Rainier (north), as well as the mountains to the south. Warm sun, slight breeze, blue skies, squeaking pikas and whistling marmots.
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