The views of Rainier are incredible, the wildflowers fill the meadows and line the trails with beautiful color, the snowmelt lakes are clear and cold, and the mosquitos are vicious. Between the two of us my friend and I have counted around 250 bites from a 4 hour trip. We went very slowly and stopped for a long time, however, so perhaps we were just easy prey. 

Wildlife spotted included surprisingly few birds, but plenty of butterflies, grasshoppers, frogs (probably Cascades frog), and aquatic-stage salamanders.

Tipsoo lake parking is right off 410, the paved parking, is much bigger and nicer than most of TH parkings :). Mosquito is everywhere, I already got a bite before putting on Off, so definitely apply Off before heading out to the trail, I  even doubled it with deep wood deet, and took mosquito net with me, I was fine as long as I was moving, but once I stopped to take photos, I had to put on the net.  I know some reports suggested to go clockwise, but I found if you don't want to hike the whole trail, but wanted to see Mt Rainier, go counter clockwise you will see Rainier and Adams (photo #4) in half mile, the photos here are all taken around tipsoo lake and with half mile counter clockwise from the parking area. If you take clockwise, you won't see Rainier until 2/3 of the trail.

We began our hike at Tipsoo Lake and hiked the trail clockwise. There were a few bugs, but they did not bother me even though Bob had a few biting flies! The wildflowers are beautiful now with many more to bloom at the higher elevations. There was only one and a very short snow area to cross on the PCT section of the trail. The trail never seemed crowded. Pink and white heather, avalanche lilies, Cusick's speedwell, lupine, sitka valerian, mouse on a stick, and cinquefoil were some of the flowers seen.

My what a difference a week makes! The report from last week said no bugs, and melting snow. This week, very little snow and mosquitoes EVERYWHERE!! If you stopped or slowed at all you were eaten alive. Beautiful views, beautiful flowers, and a nice easy hike. 

I ended up going counter clockwise (which was a mistake) the trail head to go clockwise starts at Tipsoo Lake parking lot. The WTA ap took me up to the parking lot a quarter mile up the road and caused me to be confused. 

This was our first hike really outside of the local BPA trail in Federal Way and it was awesome.  My wife and I took our son, 19 months at the time, and he did walk the majority of it.  It did however teach us that we need a hiking pack for him. Can't wait to do more trails local.  

As for the trail, clean and neat.  A few spots with residual snow and/or ice but easily crossed.  Saw about 8 other people on the trail overall.  Easy to follow except one confusing part by the upper pond. There are about 5 trails crossing here but most go to the pond itself through various routes.  Stay straight through the Rocky section and you're good to go.  Also, saw two tenters up near the summit as well.  

Very fun hike and would highly recommend.