The trail was quiet when we started at 6:45 am, we only met one other person at the summit although it was much busier on the way down and cars were overflowing out onto Homestead Valley Rd.

We hiked to the summit as a loop and the portion that follows the ollalie trail and is more direct is snow covered and required some scrambling. We used veggie belays many times and rejoined the Mt Washington trail for a much easier final climb to the summit, would not recommend this route currently. My friends had babies in front packs and they are tough and got it done. There were no footprints in the snow we kick stepped up and bushwhacked, coming down the other side was much easier. I highlighted the challenging snow covered portion in red. The other patches of snow were sometimes slick but not an issue some people used spikes we did not. I did posthole up to my knee once.

Great Rainier view just below the summit, we enjoyed the hike. Ample streams running for your dog companion.

It was pretty good. I went with my closest buds. a lot of us were first timers so we didn't do very well at all. however we pushed through and got to the top. kind of. we tried to take a shortcut but the snow just kept getting worse and we could no longer keep going. we should have taken the original route, but everyone makes mistakes. I would definitely recommend this hike. thank you

Took advantage of the 70 degree weather. Plenty of parking but at least 15 cars in the lot. Saw about 20 people on the trail.

First half mile is basically a gravel access road. After that elevation kicks off and most of the climb is loose rocks. Around 3 miles in still patches of snow covering trail and some traction gear is helpful. Last .5 mile is pretty brutal climb especially over snow but views at top were incredible. Spotted a pika around some rocks as well.

Highly recommend in spite of the rocky ascent if it’s a clear day, because the payoff is stellar. Would not recommend on overcast or rainy days.

Gaia Stats:
Ascent: 4.27miles, 2hr 17min, 2,980ft.  Descent: 4.30 miles, 1hr 57min

A very lovely I-90 corridor hike! Great forest walk with good variation and a solid view of the lakes and Mt. Rainier at the top. And on the other side, peeks  of Baker, Glacier and such. Only patchy snow near the top, used a pole and managed just fine without micro spikes. This one is definitely steeper than some of the other North Bend usual's, but very much worth it. Once your about half way in the I-90 noise fades out, so I pulled out the headphones to enjoy the wilderness, and plus you never know if you’re going to make a new friend! In all, ran into maybe less than a dozen people total on the trail.

Cheers!

This trail is like hiking a creek bed 80% of the time with 10% ok trail and 10% snow. It's worth doing while waiting for other trails up I90 to open up but you pretty much have to watch every step you take. Not a lot of views until you get to the top but good distance and vert. we clocked 4:40 hrs and 9.01 miles. We brought micro spikes but didn't end up using them, trekking poles were a must.