Suntop Lookout — Saturday, Jun. 7, 2003

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

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!