NOTE: Bring small change. It costs $25 to enter and there isn't a station with a ranger to pay with credit card, so bring smaller denominations. The road was gravel most of the way, watch out for potholes. The potholes aren't as bad as other roads leading up to trailheads (Phelps Creek), but we went up in a sedan and it was doable. And hey, if a Prius can make it, everyone can make it! It was a hot day and it hadn't rained in a while, so there was a TON of dust that kicked up as cars past. We arrived around 1:30 PM on a hot and clear Saturday and there were cars parked along the side of the road for at least a mile down. It's a very popular hike area amongst folks. We had planned to camp overnight at the Mowich Lake campgrounds, but all 10 spots were already spoken for. We ended up camping at Evans Creek Campground. We started the hike at Mowich Lake. The hike was pleasant and tree covered most of the way. There are a ton of insects this time of year, so be prepared. The trek up to Eunice lake was enjoyable, nothing too difficult, but with a few switchbacks. From the lake it was a climb up to Tommie Peak Lookout, but we were distracted by the grandeur of Mount Rainier and Eunice Lake. Upon ascending to the lookout you can continue along the ridge, but beware there's no tree covering, so if you are hiking on a hot day, be prepared. We stopped and had lunch at the lookout before heading back down. The views were absolutely jaw dropping and made the climb and dealing with the crowds worth it. The mountain was perfectly visible in the sunny day and our pictures could have passed for postcards. Overall, it was a highly enjoyable hike with grandiose views, my only recommendation would be to go on a weekday if possible.

.

This hike was incredible! I went up to today with a few friends and this view was too good to be true given the relatively moderate to easy trek. We stopped at Eunice Lake 0.9 miles to the viewpoint and had a great refreshing dip in the glacier lake. Paid for $25 day pass, which is never fun, but totally worth it. Bugs are present, but never really thought anything of it. AWESOME TRAIL.

Really easy hike with great view of rainier. Definitely smart to bring a bathing suit during the summer time.

Just for your information, there is a $25 use fee that can be paid just inside the park at a pay station (cash only ) if you do not have the required pass. Which, by the way, is not the Northwest forest pass for the Discover pass but the national Park pass. The road to the trailhead is not as bad as everybody makes it seem. The road is washboarded in some areas, but what will really get you is realizing about a mile into the dust road that you're out of windshield wiper fluid. The shadows across the road make it hard to see the turns especially when your windshield is dirty! The trail is very nice, wide with gentle inclines and declines and beautiful. The first stretch by the lake been in the forest is a nice easy trail with gentle Hills. The next section up to the lake from the pass life has some inclines and some moderate bug activity. The lake itself is absolutely gorgeous. There are several trails but try to stay to the main ones as the meadow around the lake is looking a little bit worn. The crystal-clear water what made me want to swim but I had a little baby strapped to me making it impossible. The last stretch up to the fire lookout is very pretty as well with gorgeous views looking out over the lake and at mount rainier. The peak has very little shade except for that afforded by the lookout itself. It appeared that some people were walking out along the ridge to enjoy some solitude in the mountains. Lots of people up on top and on the trail, I can't imagine what it would be like on a weekend. Absolutely gorgeous and worth the trip would have liked a dip in the lake at the bottom as well as the lake midway up.