We got there around noon today and parking was absolutely packed. Since it was a nice weekend, there were a lot of people hiking. Other than that, it was a great hike, warm and clear skies so we had a perfect view of Mount Rainier. There was a little mud in a couple of spots on the trail (not enough to not be able to wear sneakers) but the rest was completely clear. We also were able to see a bunch of paragliders launch from the top but also fly and land at the bottom. My partner was wearing sneakers while I had hiking boots and we had no issues. It took us about 1.5 hrs to get to the top and only 40 minutes to get down but we spent a good amount of time watching the paragliders and enjoying the views. We spent about 3 hrs in total at the trail.

Sunset hike at Poo Poo Point!
I logged 4.18 miles and 1,637 feet.

It took 58 minutes to get up and about an hour down in the dark.

The sunset was stunning from both the Rainier side and the top point. The trail was in good condition, no snow.

Snow at the top but nothing dangerous. Beautiful overcast. Few trees fallen here and there but not on the path. 

The trail was a bit muddy in many places.  Compact snow and ice on the last 1/3 mile of trail was very slippery.  I didn't see anyone with microspikes but they could be useful.  The steeper right fork in the trail just before the first hangglider takeoff is less icy than the trail to the left.  We also found that the gravel road from the first takeoff to the second was easier to walk on .

I also wanted announce that our wonderful dog Maddy passed away on 2/25.  She was just over 15 years old and was suffering from a neurologic problem that progressed to the point that she couldn't walk.  It was very sad to let her go.  She has been a wonderful friend and hiking companion.  We estimate that she went on over 700 hikes with us! I think that she had the best life a dog could have. Short photo album of her life below.