Tolmie Peak Lookout - Eunice Lake — Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich

This was my team's Hike-a-Thon kickoff, but I'm not certain that my teammates will ever want to hike with me again after the ordeal that we went through today! The bugs were the worst I've ever experienced (and I've done a lot of hiking). We only lingered at the lookout long enough to snap a couple of photos. We didn't feel safe stopping for lunch until we were about a mile below Eunice. The mosquitos get bad just before the lake and get steadily worse as you climb. Quite a few people were turning back because they were being chewed to pieces. Wildflowers are in full bloom around the lake and are stunning if you dare to stop and observe them. We were surprised to see several people with dogs on this trail, including one that was off leash. Dog owners, please remember that the NPS has some pretty darn good reasons for not allowing pets on national park trails, and please remember that the rules DO apply to you!