One of the best graded trails (wta) and best forest hikes in MOunt Rainier. Very degraded step climb after that. Overall though probably the easiest 3000 feet you will ever do. Usual deer and fawn and varied thrush on trail. Trail is well graded but mountain is steep. Can usually look over and see woodpeckers at your eye level but high up in their tree. No woodpeckers on this trip. The southwest quadrant of the park is one place to see Lewisia. It is blooming in the rocks at the top. The beargrass and phlox are out on the scree slopes but the tiger lilly - columbine-valerian-paintbrush bonanza that we love to see is not yet blooming. Recommend waiting at least one week to see that. Snow free to the top. Buggy. View of Rainier, Adams and Saint Helens at the saddle is stupendous.
Washington Trails
Association
Trails for everyone, forever
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