This is our first time on this trail. Everything was perfect except for bugs. We had to use bug spray every hour to keep them away from us. The elevations, views, wild flowers were just right for an enjoyable day hike.

On Saturday I spent the day with a few WTA friends in the Mowich Lake area of Mt. Rainier. This was my first visit to the Tolmie Peak lookout, and second visit to Spray and Mist parks above the lake (my first visit having been during a trip around the Wonderland Trail, in the middle of a rain storm). The road to Mowich is a bit rough. Everyone in our group made it, but those in a Prius really had to take their time due to potholes. The parking lot at Mowich Lake already had a few cars when we arrived around 8 am. Despite my grumbling at having to get up at the inhumane hour of 4:30 am I was glad for the early start. For the most part we had the trail to Tolmie Peak to ourselves. Tolmie Peak lookout is a terrific destination for families, and anyone seeking to explore a lesser-visited area of Mt. Rainier. Eunice Lake is a great place to take a quick dip, before or after visiting the lookout. The two kids in our party had no difficulty making it to the lookout, where we enjoyed spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and Eunice Lake below. The trail itself is in great shape. Back at the Mowich Lake parking lot, things had really picked up. The camp ground was starting to fill up with tents, and almost all of the picnic benches were spoken for. This is clearly a popular spot for weekend camping -- and for good reason with its close proximity to the beautiful lake and surrounding trails. After a picnic lunch, a few of us headed up to Spray and Mist Parks for "Round Two" for the day. It was fun to visit this area again at a more "relaxed" pace than my previous trip. A side visit to Spray Falls is totally worth it if you have time and the weather is decent. The falls are quite impressive. Wild flowers are in full effect up at the Parks. Unfortunately this also means bugs! They're not too bad when you're in motion, but stop to take a rest and they will find you right away. Bring deet. Along the way we noticed a few new-looking red markers on the trail. Later we solved the mystery when we encountered two scientists with butterfly nets. The markers belong to the Cascade Butterfly Project, a citizen science project seeking to monitor butterfly populations in North Cascades National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. Visit their Web site if you are interested in volunteering… you too could hike and save butterflies at the same time! The way to the pass above Spray Park looked relatively snow-free and easy to find, though we did not venture that high, opting to head back to civilization for dinner, so I can't say for sure. Back at Mowich again there were even more campers setting up shop. Turns out local news station King 5 recently featured this trail (with a mention of WTA!) which could explain the larger than average groups.

My wife and I brought our 9 and 11 year old daughters and joined a group of WTA Hike-A-Thoners for this great trail. The kids have done Rattlesnake Ledge before, so we knew they could do the elevation gain without a problem. The trail goes up/down a few times on the way to Eunice Lake. It makes for a nice break in trail monotony. There are lots of interesting geological features, wild flowers, and views the whole way. When you get to Eunice Lake and look up to the lookout you get a short burst of - "really? That's up there!" Ignore it, take a quick break and snack, and then buckle up and trudge up the rest of the way. Besides seeing the history of an active fire lookout station, you see some of the most amazing views possible. The views to the north and west were under complete cloud cover today, but the view south to Rainier and the Lakes (Eunice/Mowich) were beyond breathtaking. WIldflowers were in various states of bloom - lots of bear grass, some in bloom, some not; lupine at one point; high bells, and more are all out and visible. Bugs were not bad for me, but they generally just buzz me and bit others. For others in the group they were kind of bad, so I marked it as such. Road was in good shape for its normal state. It is a bit bumpy in spots and would recommend leaving the Prius at home and bringing more of a sedan/SUV.

My first time to Mowich and what a great day! Two popular Rainier destinations bagged, both full of wildflowers, beautiful sights, mysterious fog and great company. Our group of 11 departed from a rapidly-filling Mowich parking lot at 8:30a, bound for Tolmie Peak Lookout. The early departure was a wise decision -- bugs weren't an issue until we got to Eunice Lake, and we wound up having the lookout to ourselves. Fog filled the valleys below us, creating an incredible atmosphere, since Eunice and Mowich Lakes and Rainier were fully visible and the sun was out at the lookout. On the way down, we took a quick dip in Eunice Lake and then headed for the trailhead; we had a potluck lunch to attend to, and several of us were headed for Spray Park in the afternoon. As we hiked down, the clear weather we'd enjoyed at Tolmie was replaced with murky fog. Mowich Lake was barely visible near the trailhead, and as we ate lunch, our group speculated whether or not we'd get to see the notoriously shy side of Rainier that is (occasionally) visible at Spray Park. Unfortunately, Rainier was elusive in the afternoon. The view at Spray Park is supposed to be stunning, but after some discussion, the consensus is that you have to be in Spray Park early in the morning in order to see the mountain. But the wildflowers and hiking through the fog gave the hike a mysterious atmosphere that was enjoyable in its own way. I was thrilled to see so many avalanche lilies out, as well as lupine, bistort, and the famous magenta Indian Paintbrush, which were more vibrantly colored here than I've seen them anywhere else. We had a quick snack at the overlook for Mist Park and then headed back down trail. On the way back, we met some butterfly researchers, and back at the Mowich campground, we were surprised by how many more people had arrived to stay the night, but then it was a Saturday evening in August.

Hiked with my 10 year-old. He was taxed at the nearly 6 miles we did , but said the 'payoff' was worth it. I'd never been here, but have been on the north side before and had read prior reports about bugs and road conditions. They were right- we slathered on the bullfrog, but the bugs didn't seem to care. As far as the roads go, I didn't think the dirt road would go on for as long as it did, but again it was worth it. I did see cars that didn't belong out there- like a Prius and a new Mercedes (which got me thinking they'll probably buy a new one after this). If you have a pass already, continue up to Mowich (veer right at the fork off 165). If not, you'll need to stop at the Carbonado River Ranger Station. There is a dayfee use area, but why? Great weather Saturday even though it was a little warm. We got to Eunice Lake and looked at the tower- it looked a long, long ways away. Had lkunch at the top where the bugs weren't bad. Beautiful view! When we got back down, we went a little further to take a dip in Mowich Lake and ended up going for a swim. It is so choice. If you have the means, I would highly recommend it.