What a gorgeous hike and one of my new favorites! As another trip reporter said, the drive from Longmire to Box Canyon is stunning and not something otherwise seen from other hikes. Highly recommend stopping at a viewpoint.
Parking lot: Paved and right off Stevens Canyon Road. There are multiple port-a-potties and bear proof trash cans. Contrary to Google Maps, there is no potable water or flush toilet.
Trail: This is a relatively dry trail, so bring plenty of water. You can filter at Nickel Creek (less than a mile from the trailhead) and Indian Bar, but there is nothing in between. The first four miles climbs up in the shade of the forest. After that, the trail breaks out into open meadow with sweeping views of Mt Rainier and the valley below. It was exposed and quite hot! Wildflowers are past their peak, but there is still quite a bit blooming at higher elevations -- lupine, magenta paintbrush, western pasqueflower, etc... We also saw a single orange glacier lily. There are quite a few types of butterflies. Blueberries and huckleberries are ripe, and perfect for a quick snack along the trail.
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