Union Creek — Sunday, Jun. 21, 2009

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

The Union Creek Trail is in good condition, with only one or two small trees over the trail and no snow. At the end of the trail I turned right at the junction towards Basin Lake. Snow covers the ground in the Cement Basin area, and along the traverse above Basin Lake. I camped at Basin Lake and felt the temperatures drop. In the morning it began to snow, which made a much more pretty scene, but was surprised to walk through a snow storm in mid/late June. June is perhaps the best month to hike this trail because the wildflowers are blooming and waterfalls are much more impressive (compared to summer or autumn), and the hunters aren't out in full force.