Tolmie Peak Lookout - Eunice Lake — Friday, Nov. 1, 2002

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich

The Mowich Lake road was open, and we took advantage of this situation to hike to the Tolmie Pk. lookout. There was a trace of snow in a few spots on the road, but no chains were needed. The trail is flawlessly maintained from beginning to end. Where it follows the edge of Eunice Lk., there was an inch of snow, but no snow was seen elsewhere on the trail. Clear weather provided plenty of sunshine and outstanding scenic views from Tolmie Pk. There was some ice on the shaded north side of Tolmie, so we were dissuaded from attempting the route to Howard Pk. One scofflaw brought a dog to the summit of Tolmie, but we passed a ranger on the way out, so he was probably apprehended. Our car was broken into, so we recommend parking at the more populated end of the road near the campground, rather than at the TH. We encountered about 20 people on this trail, plus one dog. To comply with regulations, park visitors are advised to leave Cujo at home.