Set out for Eunice lake, but we just passed the 1.2 mile mark and decided to head back. My five year olds were getting tired. If it was just that we would have stopped and rested but the bugs swarmed if we even stopped for 30 seconds. The bugs were horrible. I thought I had parked on a bees nest, when we arrived because we had huge deer flies surrounding our car. We doused ourselves in bugs spray and headed out. We were not bitten by the deer flys even though they accompanied us for our entire trip. It was those little black flies that actually broke skin. I ran into some backpackers with four days left of the Wonderland to hike and one said that he'd trade 1 mosquito for two horseflies. Then he showed me his arm and he had mosquito bites on top of mosquito bites.

FS Road has no potholes but lots of washboard sections beginning at Park Boundary. Arrived at Mowich nice and early 6:30. Perfect temps a bit cool even. Still some lingering snow around the lake, i'd say about a week or so it will be all gone. Avalanche Lilies are out right now! We didn't see anyone going up, we were the first to arrive. The bugs were annoying at the Lookout we didn't stay long. Eunice Lake is absolutely gorgeous right now and will only get better then that last of the snow melts. I wanted to jump in so bad, if it was just a bit warmer i would have. Tons of hikers coming up the trail at 10 as were done for the day. Love that feeling.

Snow in Eunice Basin, but otherwise a nice hike with trail in great shape!

We started from the closed Mowich Gate. No snow on road or at the gate. Hiked in and hit snow about one mile in. Put on Microspikes. Made our way up past Mowich Lake, Eunice Lake and then up to Tolmie Lookout Tower. Also did the short scramble up Tolmie Peak. About 2 feet of snow at the tower. We brought our snowshoes but only needed microspikes today because snow was compact. Beautiful views!! If more snow comes there will be a couple of avalanche slopes that may be difficult to pass. Total miles 12. Total elevation gain 3000 feet.

Went with three friends to this hike. Can you believe the trail is still completely free of snow? Arrived at the trailhead around 10:30 with no problems finding a parking spot. Most of the hikers on this day would be leaving after us. Saw three groups on the way up the trail, which is almost completely in the shade which is a huge benefit for a really hot day hike. Fortunately for us today, perfect clear day with the temp in the 50s as started. Pretty clear sailing going up to the top of the peak, which looks daunting from Eunice Lake however it is only another 10-15 minutes tops from the lake itself. On the way down there were at least 20 groups heading up. Did not encounter any bugs or animals along the trip. Never went this way before, impressed with it being about 90 minutes from the Seattle area.