Van Trump Park, Comet Falls — Wednesday, Jul. 21, 2010

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

The hike to Comet Falls was spectacular and completely snow-free. Maybe our favorite hike so far in the entire park! There were lots of avalanche lilies as well as some columbines, Sitka valerian, and more. We did hit patches of slushy snow between the Falls and Van Trump park, but these were easy enough to navigate. Van Trump was completed covered by packed snow, but it was slushy enough not to need snowshoes. We heard reports of mountain goats but didn't see them ourselves. The parking lot was full when we arrived- busy for a week day. This is a strenuous hike, though we saw lots of children and older people with hiking poles.