[Tom]

Per the 100 hikes book, this is a great hike if you want to show visiting guests some up close views of Mt Rainier.  It is also a budget friendly hike as neither a trail park pass nor a national park entrance fee is required.  The trail is a little muddy in places and still 10-15% covered by snow, but with a little care tennis shoes will do just fine.  The gentle 3 mile loop had a mix of everything.  Two beautiful unnamed ponds, a refreshing waterfall, great views down to Dewey Lake(s), views up to Naches and Yakima Peaks, and of course, Mt Rainier.  There were very few bugs - almost not worth mentioning.  For those who do not wish to hike there are also Tipsoo Lakes by the highway.  My niece Emily who is always a little grumpy about hiking really enjoyed this hike, so it passes one of the most stringent tests of all for visiting relatives .

Some Pictures