We took the trail up to the Mount Washington summit, and then connected to the forest service/mountain biking trail to loop around to Change Peak. Finally headed down via Great Wall trail before connecting back to the original trail for the final 3 miles (see AllTrails link below for exact route). Pretty much no snow of note at this point.
Arrived at parking lot around 8AM on a gorgeous Saturday, it was maybe half full. We were never crowded on the trail up to the Mount Washington summit but never really alone either. Once we headed towards Change Peak we did not see anyone else.
The trail up was almost entirely wooded until you start getting some brief exposure towards the top and at the summit (where you will be fully exposed). It is uphill most of the way with few breaks on level ground. The first few miles were also particularly rocky (like walking up a dried creek) so combined with the constant grade it's definitely a solid workout. Poles help a lot coming down. The bugs were not awful but were certainly around by this point, wind and spray helped with hanging at the summit but YMMV. The summit has a perfect view of Rainier if it happens to be out.
The mountain bike trail we took on the way down was more exposed most of the time so I'd definitely have sunscreen if taking it on a clear day. The service road and bike trail are a bit less steep and rocky than the trail up, it was probably honestly easier for going down despite the extra couple of miles. The spur up to Change Peak is not used a lot but you can find your way relatively easily. There's not much to see at the top so I would honestly suggest stopping at the open rock face about half way up that also gives you a spectacular view of Rainier. Compared to the trail up we did not encounter anyone on the way down so I would highly recommend coming here for lunch instead of the more crowded Mount Washington summit.
Great day hike overall.
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