Moderate hike with panoramic views at the top

This was one of my favorite hikes in Washington. With stellar views of Mount Rainier both on the way up and at the top. The only downside was that it got cloudy when we got to the top, so the view from the fire tower was obstructed. Still, the crystal-clear lake just below the peak was amazing, and the hike itself wasn’t terribly crowded, although people filtered through at the top. From start to finish, with a stop at the peak, it took around 5 hours.

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Beautiful hike, but road get to trail was awful!!

A month ago I hiked this with a friend looking for a good group hike this month. In early August it was foggy so the views yesterday were all new to me and to the group. First the road is atrocious, suitable for sedans if you are careful. Its funny that road was bad fifty years ago when I was a kid, they could have paved a half mile for per year. The views even with the faint smoke were amazing. Its definitely steep in areas with some steps that are large but a half dozen of those or so. At Eunice Lake you can see the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout and hikers going pass that. One of the group opted to rest and enjoy Eunice Lake while the rest of us went to the Fire Lookout. In the morning the trail was packed, almost annoyingly so. By the time we retrieved our friend at the lake, the crowds thinned out dramatically. We walked the 200 feet to Ipsut Pass at the junction for it. Great view of the valley below. Note that the Fire Lookout is being worked on so its taped off. This is the fee section of the park but we did not see vehicles ticketed. Considering the condition of the road and time it takes to reach NW corner of the park, unless someone else wants to drive, I personally do not see myself returning to this part of the park and driving that road. That is not a criticism by any means as I personally loved the hike as did the entire group. Definitely if you can, do this hike. There will be no regrets. 

Great hike. Haze was noticeable throughout the day so the skies weren’t as clear as in the past. Not too hot but warm enough for a dip in Eunice Lake.