The weather forecast looked to be quite favorable for the 13th, a reservation to go to Mt Rainier was obtained a few days ahead,(super easy to do) and off we went! Arrived at the park just before 9 am (permit 7 am to 9 am) and on arrival to the parking lot--it was already quite full but ample spots remained. (we didn't feel the need to be there at the crack of dawn). Sunshine, climbers eager to get up the mountain, little wind and The Mountain is out--what's not to like?
The trail is 99% snow covered; Rangers were putting out tall orange poles to mark the 'summer trail' which is still under quite a bit of snow. The trail is boot packed for the most part, but the snow is slushy as well--expected for that time of day. We had trekking poles (super handy) and put on microspikes below Panorama Face (very handy at that point). Climbers and folks were going up the Face, we elected to go the usual route (to the left of the face, up and over) of which there were a few sections of melted out trail that one must be cautious as you could easily slip down the side of the hill with the mushy dirt (essentially, stay high on the trail).
Lunch at Panorama Point, the clouds were starting to float overhead, and the wind started to pick up a bit. However, conditions were still quite nice. We glissaded down the face (caution advised--one of the longer routes had a rock and stick becoming uncovered that was hard to see from above) and had a great time! The snow is a bit abrasive though, as one finds out when there is red on the white snow. oh well. Bandages are present in the first aid kit. :)
On the way up and down, there were a fair number of tourists hiking up the snow fields in tennis shoes, no sunglasses, t-shirts/shorts, no water, no trekking poles with many of them attempting to get to Panorama Point or the skyline trail. There will be some folks hurtin for certain in 24 hours. I'm sure they had fun, but they will have paid a price!
When we left, cars were parked on the side of road at the Paradise Parking lot; the lower lot had many spots open which were quite visible from the road. Seems people didn't want to walk any further than they needed.
Off to Base Camp Grill for a beer and cookies to top off our day. Always great to hike on Mt Rainier, especially on a sunny day!
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