This hike has been on my list since we moved here, and did not disappoint! I read the trip reports, and was ready to go. Be sure to follow the directions on WTA, since upon opening the location in maps and following those directions, we were lead to a road overgrown and blocked by boulders. Just a minor hiccup, I referred to my screenshot-ted directions via WTA, and we found our way easily. Just after turning at the T the directions describe, I got out of the car to photograph Mt. Rainier, who appeared in her splendor. It was then that my husband heard the hiss of our front tire, slowly leaking. The T in the road was the most level area, so we switched on the spare and continued the 3.5 miles up the road to the trailhead (mind you, we were talking about how nice the 8 mile paved road had been, and how well maintained the gravel road had been! It can happen to anyone..). The trail was great and the views, amazing. I did not realize, however, that there was barely any shade on the trail after the first half mile or so. Most hikes we've been on with our dog have been wooded until we get closer to the top. There was not a cloud in the sky, and it was at least 75 degrees. My poor, black dog found every ounce of sparse shade and stopped to rest every chance she could. She has always been great on hikes, but the blazing sun on the hot rocks was too much for her. We gave her all the water we had, and luckily the volunteers at the top gave us another bottle to help (they were quite pleasant!). Mt. Rainier, the tippy top of Mt. Baker, and Glacier Peak were in view at the summit. Many wild flowers flocked the trail, and everyone we met was so kind. It wasn't terribly crowded, and it was kind of nice chatting with people as we passed. I always think it's comforting to have some company in case of unforeseen emergencies. Anyway, our dog could hardly make it down (mind you, she's three years old and has never had a problem hiking before today), and my husband had to actually carry her several times down the mountain. She leapt into his arms at one point, simply spent. My point is, I wish I had known how terribly unshaded this trail was before bringing her. Several other dogs did just fine on the trail, although they all stopped in the shade when they could. My husband and I felt great on the trail (besides when he carried the dog), and enjoyed the fantastic views of such a short hike! Maisy will just have to sit out next time we come on a summer day! All in all, this is a wonderful hike and I strongly recommend you try it. Just be sure to always have a spare tire, know that there is no water source (lake, river) and not much shade, and bring LOTS of water. I'm happy we went, and it was worth it despite a few blips!

Photos from the last trip report

Wow. This trail is a riot of wildflowers and butterflies right now. The road had rough sections, but it was just fine for a standard vehicle. You will definitely want to use the WTA directions and watch the mileage closely. Many turns are unmarked. This was my first time on this hike, but it easily rises to the top of the pack. It was gorgeous every step of the way. Spotted a mountain goat on a nearby rock outcropping. This trail is short enough to take advantage of another in the area when you are done. Many have mentioned adjacent Colquhoun Peak. I headed over to Sun Top for a quick jaunt and an event better view of Rainier.