Pinnacle Saddle — Monday, Jul. 31, 2023

This was my fifth time on this trail, the first since the pandemic.  Stevens Canyon Road is closed for construction but is open from Longmire to Reflection Lakes parking lot.  After Longmire look for the sign to Paradise River.  There is no sign to Stevens Canyon Road. At 76 I found this trail more tiring than I remember pre-pandemic.  For seniors, be sure to wear sturdy ankle supporting hiking boots and use hiking poles.  Drink plenty of water and take your time. Most of the trail is rocky with the need to hoist your body up higher than the usual stair step distance.  Coming down requires being careful where you place your feet and using poles for balance.  You are in the open most of the way so use sunblock and a hat.  The mosquitoes and biting flies were kept at bay with bug spray.  The trail was snow free and dry.  Lupine were starting to bloom, pink heather and spirea attracted bumblebees and butterflies.  The avalanche lilies were done blooming and making seed heads.  It was a perfect day with no clouds until afternoon and a high of 73.  It is best to come early and be on the trail by 9:30.  Watch for pikas gathering winter fodder among the rocks. Of course the view from the saddle is worth the effort.  Enjoy both Mounts Rainier and Adams and just barely visible Mount Hood while you eat lunch.  Then descend while Rainier watches over you on the way back.