Hike Log

Perfect time for Mt Rainier

Trailhead:

Skyline

Miles:

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Trail in good condition

ROAD:

Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs:

No Bugs

Snow:

Trail snow-covered at times – Gear and expertise recommended

Link:

My friend and I hiked to Camp Muir at the last weekend of July, we started at 6am and got back to the parking lot at around 4.30pm, we took a mini break at Panorama Point and a longer break at Camp Muir – conditions were perfect; no dangerous crevasses; snow field after Pebble Creek was consistent all the way up to Camp Muir. We both used microspikes which I'd strongly recommend, made it a lot easier not worrying as much about traction or balance, especially as we got more tired close to Camp Muir. I also used my hiking poles whereas my friend opted out on the poles (despite carrying them with her, didn't need them). We both had about 3.5 liters of water + extra bottle of a drink of our choice, and a lot of snacks!, more than we could eat in the end but it is always a good idea to carry a lot of snacks anyways. A few creeks and streams to filter water if you wanna carry less but replenish on the way up. Temperature was not hot, not too cold, although wind at the top, at Camp Muir, was relentless and we noticed many of the campers moved into the shelter rather than staying in their tents so definitely be smart with the extra layers, we saw some people that couldn't enjoy the views and started their hike back as they were simply too cold to hang out. For the first time in my life, I experienced a mild altitude sickness in the form of headache within the last mile to Camp Muir. A stop to rest and food and drink helped mitigating it. We glissaded down majority of the way with the help of our trash bags – which made us forget how hard it was to get up to Camp Muir – so much fun! What I'd do differently is probably packing up food in a cooler to leave in the car, as at the end of the hike we wanted to celebrate, eat, and rest and the Paradise lodge restaurant is so mediocre yet so expensive, glad it was there as we enjoyed our dinner but I'd happily make a sandwich at the car instead eating it sitting at the hood of the car facing Mt Rainier. Regardless, it was one of the most special and dearest experiences in my life living in Pacific Northwest; seeing Mt Rainier all the time while living day to day life, commuting to work, driving around, etc. and then getting up there so close to the top… it puts the Seattle skyline to a completely different perspective. Makes me cherish this beautiful region we get to live at even more <3

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