Skyscraper Mountain — Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2013

Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River

Cold (mid-30s) and cloudy today, with light snow on the trail and surrounding mountains from the previous nights. Nevertheless, a wonderful hike, and when the clouds occasionally broke the views were spectacular. The main trail is very well maintained and easy to follow, but once you turn off toward Skyscraper Mountain, the path gets a little vague -- easier to see descending than ascending. Good balance and a sure step are necessary ascending this peak, the way is mostly paved with loose rock that slides easily underfoot. I got a late start and hit the trail at 2:45, but I made good time in the flatter sections and made the roundtrip in 3 hours, getting on the road before sunset. Only saw a few others on the trail, all headed back toward the Sunrise parking lot. Great hike all around, I'd love to do it again on a clear day.