Nice hike overall and a good workout without being too long. Not crowded on a weekday afternoon. Trail was pretty rocky at times which meant being careful with stepping and looking down frequently. I wish there were fewer rocks. It took me just under 4 hours (8 miles with climbing the rocks a little at the top for a better view), including maybe 15 minutes of stopping along the way, but I was in a bit of a rush. Some big horse flies would circle me when I stopped so that was also motivation to keep moving, but the bugs overall weren’t terrible and there were minimal mosquitoes. I think normally with more stops and a more leisurely pace 4.5 hours would have been better. Getting to the top gave a good sense of accomplishment. I will probably try this again but with taking the old trail back down or adding in some of the smaller trails.

1st time for me and adult kiddo. Son hiked up and down barefoot, which was quite impressive. 

We arrived around 2:00 p.m. and had most of the trail to ourselves except for one guy who passed us going up and the few who were coming down.The trail was in decent shape and was cool under the canopy. There were a few horseflies near the top, but not too bad.

We had the summit to ourselves (minus one squirrel) for about 30 minutes. Beautiful views of Mount Rainier, Rattlesnake Lake and North Bend.

A couple of people who arrived after us spotted a white mountain goat on the top of Haystack Rock. First time I have seen I've seen one. 

Great after work hike on a well maintained trail!

Unfortunately, I did lose a black tungsten ring near the summit, near the edge of where the rocky talus meets the soil, on the side where Mt. Rainier is visible.

Doubt anyone will find it, but if you have ideas on how to look or do end up finding it, please drop a comment. Thanks!

Mostly Old Trail but hiked some new trail at the top. 
A previous trip report complained about dust. Well, yeah, probably compared to 1 month or more ago. But compared to many local trails now, due to how much is in shaded woods, not bad at all.

A few bugs but not bad at all in the morning -- summited at 9am. Wildflowers few and fading fast. Skies hazy in all directions. If that's surprising to you, you're not paying attention.   

Wow! This trail was amazing! Very well maintained and, albeit a pretty steep, it was well-worth for the payoff! Those views up there at the top are spectacular! Will definitely be doing this trail and the connectors again!