This hike was incredible. I know I have some more hikes to cover, but I can't imagine a better view of Mt. Rainier. We could not have asked for better weather, and by the time we reached the lookout, there were only a few wisps of clouds, allowing us to see for miles. I had read in some of the reports that bugs were pretty bad, but we did not have a problem. We did put a layer of "Off" on before we started, so that might have helped, but really all we experienced were a few large flies/bees that buzzed by quickly. This hike has one of the best payoffs I have experienced. The last mile from the lake to the lookout is pretty steep (my glutes and hamstrings are burning today!), but you get an INCREDIBLE view the entire way up, and are surrounded by gorgeous wildflowers that completely take your mind off of the climb. We hiked on a Tuesday morning, starting about 11am, and there were maybe 20ish people spread out at the top. The trail was not too crowded, and we definitely had moments of quiet and solitude. As far as the road conditions, there is 15 miles of pretty rough gravel right before you get to the trailhead. We didn't experience any huge potholes, but there are some ridges in the gravel and some of the tracks from previous cars that have created some rolling bumps. I would definitely recommend a high-clearance vehicle. 

This is a great hike when it comes to short and sweet. It says 7.5 miles but it is actually 2.8 miles to the lookout (so 5.6 miles round trip). Lookout is beautiful with a lake and Rainier. 

A very long gravel road to trail head so takes a good amount of time to get there. In pretty good condition though. 

Started a bit later in the day, got to the trailhead around 2, started up at 2:20. The trail is well maintained with a few rocky areas. Eunice lake wasn't too buggy, took a quick stop there for a few photos and to feel how cold the water was. Arrived at the lookout at 3:40, it was super cloudy, yet the ceiling was rising. We decided to take a seat, eat some snacks, and wait it out. It was rather chilly at the top, so it was nice to have a dry t-shirt to change into and a jacket to put on. Within about 40 minutes the clouds had moved enough to be able to see Eunice lake and Mowich lake from the lookout. By 5pm we could nearly see all of Rainier. Another 15 minutes and she was completely out. It was TOTALLY worth the wait. Headed down about 5:30, stopped at Eunice lake again, and then explored the waterfall a bit, made it back to the trailhead just after 7. All in all a great quick day hike, and if Rainier is out, it is totally worth the drive! 

I will add to Mark1423's excellent report of today: Avalanche lilies (around Eunice Lake) and bear grass (along the switchbacks above Eunice Lake) are blooming profusely - the view of Rainier surrounded by bear grass is stunning.

We started from just above the campground; the extra mile is mostly level and traverses just above the lake - quite pleasant.

The stats for this hike understate the elevation gain in that, from Ipsut Pass to Eunice Lake, you lose some elevation, which you must then regain. My precise-but-never-accurate Fitbit put the total elevation gain at 1800 feet, which feels about right for the amount of effort.

We also encountered hikers-with-dog who were ticketed by the ranger.

Finally, when we returned to the parking lot, it was beyond full and cars were parked for a seriously long way back up the road.