Absolutely glorious hike full of big, classic views and such a wide variation in terrain and flora that the miles just melt away.
Our party of 3 set out from the Mowich Lake campground trailhead and headed clockwise, per Romano's suggestion in his backpacking guide (to avoid making the formidable ascent to Ipsut Pass the final barrier to completion). Our itinerary consisted of the first night at Carbon River Camp, the second at Eagle's Roost, with small side trips to view the Carbon Glacier up to Dick Creek and some meandering around Seattle and Spray Parks.
The trail is in great condition essentially all the way through. Keep your eyes open for tons of mushrooms almost anywhere a bit of vegetation and mycelium can get to!
The log crossings on the Carbon River detour section may be a bit spooky, with the roar of the milky waters below and just a single, perhaps sagging log to support you, but keep your hands on the railings and step surely ahead.
After a steady ascent into Seattle Park, a little bit of mud is easily washed off with a couple of creek crossings where trekking poles will come in handy to stabilize over mossy and slick rock. A fairly brief but quite steep shale ascent is the only section of the loop with very little easily had water. The permanent snowfields just before the last ridge crossings are quite small now, and the tread across them is easy to navigate.
We had the best weather we could ask for, with Rainier completely revealing itself on our way through Spray Park. Ptarmigans criss-crossed our path, their low cooing seemingly welcoming our arrival. Fall colors are starting to come in.
The rest of the hike back down was a cruise, given it's well-trodden and the path a well-loved day hike destination.
Both of our campsites were well-groomed and equipped with sturdy bear poles and privvies in good condition. I think I agree with previous reports that the loop is a little longer on mileage than guides state.
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