Tolmie Peak Lookout - Eunice Lake — Sunday, Jul. 9, 2017

Tolmie Peak is a beautiful hike with an excellent payoff in the 360 view at the top including a stunning view of Mt. Rainier. I highly recommend this hike!

There are two options for a starting point: 1. The WTA summary above describes a longer 7.5 mile hike that starts at the campground and includes more time along Mowich Lake. 2. A shorter 5.6 mile route that cuts off the first mile. To do the second option, which we did, look for signs on the left side of the road that point you towards the alternative trailhead (it isn't hard to find). 

We arrived at the trailhead at 7:50AM on a beautiful Sunday morning. There were less than ten cars parked and we only saw a handful of people on the trail on our way up. We arrived at the peak at 9:10AM, a total of an hour and twenty minutes with minimal stops.

The view from the top is incredible. Definitely make sure to climb to the top of the lookout if it doesn't bother the ranger. It wasn't cold or windy today at the top so we spent 50 minutes eating brunch and enjoying the view.

We left the peak at 10:05AM and arrived back to the trailhead at 11:20AM. The trail was much more crowded on the way back down. On a nice weekend definitely try and start by 9AM to beat the crowds on at least the way up. 

A few reminders: 1. Dogs aren't allowed on trails in National Parks. One group got a ticket from a ranger during our hike. 2. Hikers going uphill have the right of way, so on this busy trail make sure to step to the side as you're coming downhill. 3. The venn diagram of people who think it's a good idea to play music on a hike and people with bad taste in music is just one circle. Spend some time reflecting on your life if you fit in this circle.