Great day with mild weather, mild wind, mild tide change. We had a nice group of seven with 1 paddler from Seattle and 1 from Everett.
Nice easy backpack with a great lake and waterfall on Elliot Creek at the lake outlet. Crowded with both day hikers and backpackers. Probably better as a weekday trip
Excellent loop trip with outstanding views and minimal bushwhacking
Nice day, beautiful area, afternoon clouds
Small patches of snow and mostly scree. Gorgeous summit but a fairly late season trip.
Beautiful Hike to Mt. Defiance only. Flowers in full bloom in meadow below peak. Busiest parking lot we've ever seen at Ira Spring lot.
A long but successful scramble, which require snow, rock and route finding skills. Will great views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding peaks.
Route in excellent condition. Knife edge is nice and wide and water on route is plentiful.
Long round trip, but great climb. Take a dip in Lena Lake on the way down if you dare.
Successful climb of Little Tahoma
great trip despite limited views
This trip was a good reminder of why we wear immersion wear and use spray skirts. I have done this trip at least five times and this one was easily the most active and demanding—and fun!--paddle of any of them--and with the fewest number of campers!
One of the 50 classic climbs in N America, for good reason! Good exposure, spectacular views in a wild alpine environment.