Shriner Peak — Monday, Aug. 4, 2025

Celebrated my 32-year anniversary of summiting Mt. Rainier by hiking one of my favorite east side Rainier trails, Shriner Peak. I have not hiked this trail since 2022 when some renovation work was being done on the lookout tower (new stairs, painting, etc.) Everything seems to be holding up very well to the elements. I hit the trail at 5:50AM, 47 degrees and no cars down at the trailhead off of Highway 123. The mountain was all socked in this morning and there was a hint of some light drizzle down at the start. No views of Rainier at all with some brief views of the crater rim near the switchbacks. Lots of wildflowers still in places and even some berries are looking pretty good. For the most part, this trail is pretty smooth, which my feet and knees were thankful for. Saw no hikers on the way up and about 10 hikers on the way down. With the exception of a heard of elk grazing on both sides of Highway 410 as I entered Greenwater on my drive this morning, no critter sightings and only saw 2 grouse relaxing up off the trail. This has to be one of the most underrated trails in the entire park. Even with the lack of views today, still a great day on the trail – and to top it off, no bugs to speak of!