We started our hike at 2:30 pm.   The trail had a mix of sun and shade.   It was HOT in the sun.   Clockwise is the way to go for great Mount Rainier views.   There were quite a few families on the trail.

beautiful views, easy enough that my three year old walked the whole thing

We arrived at the trailhead around 11am. There was still parking in the big lot. If you are directionally challenged, there is a helpful sign added to the loop trail sign from the Tipsoo Lake parking lot. The loop trail sign of the road will lead you in the counter clockwise direction (no helpful add-on sign there). There were still plenty of lupin and a few other kinds of wildflowers dotting the fields, especially on the north and east sides. It is nearing the end though, so hurry if you want to see them before the fall foliage starts.

It's no wonder this trail is popular. The views are spectacular and the path not too challenging but a hike vs a nature walk. I can't imagine trying to enjoy it on a crowded weekend though. Def try to go during the week or, as others have said, super early or later in the day if a weekend is the only time you can make it.

Mt Rainier was cloud covered but I can imagine how spectacular it must be when it's visible. Looking forward to returning! 

We hiked clockwise.  Started around 10 am.  Plenty of parking then in the big lot.  Have included track and profile from CalTopo.  Nice day although Mt Rainier was mostly hidden by clouds.

We seemed to have lost the trail at some point before taking a pretty steep climb up.  Unfortunately had to do some offtrail or minimal trail til we found it again on the other side of a flat.  Wildflowers still out some but fading.  Beautiful day, nice temperature, no bugs, minimal people on the trail.