FS Road to Suntop lookout is gated at 5 mile mark; but the trailheads are accessible at this point. Hiked up the remaining mile of road to the lookout, a fair amount of snow on the backside still. Saw a huge raptor of some sort in a tree and a blacktailed deer. Incredible views from the lookout, but already buggy (no-see-ums)! Hiked down the connector trail to the gate again, then up the Suntop Trail to the ridge views. Multiple snow patches remain on the trail approaching the ridge, but very walkable / bikable. A great day to be out!

The roads to Sun Top (FS-73 &FS-7315) are melted out to within one half mile of the parking area at mile post 5. There are patches of snow the last half mile which 4WD, high clearance vehicles can drive through to the parking area, which is snow free. The rest of you will have to wait a week or two, or walk the extra half mile. The trail from the parking area to the top was rebuilt last year and is in excellent condition, no snow. The top is 95% melted out and the bug are not biting yet.

On Friday we had called Mr. Ranger to get a trail report. Hearing that the road was open and the snow would be deep and soft and hoping for a modest break in the weather Super K and I headed Sunday morning towards Mount Rainier.....from Enumclaw on through Greenwater, then exiting on FS 713. We found the road closed at the snow park. So, after parking in sunny and warm conditions, we strapped the snow shoes onto our backpacks and and started out. The first 1 1/2 miles was strictly a road walk until we came to a couple of blow downs across the road. We encountered the first patches of snow at elevation 3,000 feet. The snow became deep enough to put the snow shoes on at mile post 2 (3,250 feet). Then continuing the next 3 miles to the bench. The hike to the bench was a steady (and relentless) climb. We had been looking for some wildlife....no animals were apparent, but we did see traks from elk, deer, bob cat and snow shoe rabbit (hare). After attaining the bench at elevation 4.700 feet we decided to examine the trail and snow conditiion for the climb to the Suntop look out. The snow was soft and a bit slushy but the snow cover was thin enough that we felt safe to make the climb. This 600 foot climb from the bench to the peak of Suntop (elevation 5,280 feet) was the most challenging part of the hike.....even though the top of Mount Rainier was shrouded in clouds, the 360 degree panoramic views were worth the effort! The only tracks on the trail were our own....a great day of solitude on the trail.

Just after sunrise I rode my bike up FS 7315 to the Suntop Lookout and then down Suntop Trail #1183. The trail was clear of any obstructions the entire way. The trail was very bumpy, loose and sandy most of the way down. Waterbars were recently installed and they should prove very effective once the rains begin. It was a great ride and the views from the top were outstanding.

Wow! Very hot up at the top and little wind. Very pleasant trip up with many wild flowers out to enjoy - avalanche lillies, indian paintbrush ,etc. We were looking for some snow but it was long gone when we arrived. Road was open all the way to the top to enjoy the beauty of Mt. Rainier which was right there to almost touch! A bit dusty going up and down the road. Well worth the trip! Go for a picnic to enjoy the wildflowers!