Saturday 8am the parking lot was already completely filled and vehicles parked for at least a quarter mile down the road. Although lots and lots of people, once on the trail our group didn't encounter that many people. On the way up, it appeared that the Talapus Lake was the destination for most. Lots of dogs and almost all were on leash.
Once past Talapus Lake, there were even fewer people. After we turned onto the junction for the east route around Olallie Lake, we pretty much had the trail to ourselves. From Pratt Lake trail which overlooks Olallie Lake from the north, it's always a breath taking view of the lake with Mount Rainier looming above. Many beargrass flowers along this part of the trail. Most are still in bud and will soon be in full bloom.
West of the junction with the Pratt Lake trail, the Mount Defiance trail passes through a pleasant, quiet forest. Snow near the junction with the trail to Island Lake is much reduced and easy walking. Once turning south toward Island Lake the snow is continuous through the open meadow area, but disappears once the trail enters the trees. Arrival at Island Lake is announced by the sound of the rushing Talapus Creek outlet. Our lunch stop and turn around point.
We opted out of visiting Rainbow Lake given the apparent snow covered trail to get there.
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