Tolmie Peak

We drove up to Mowich Lake at Mt Rainier National Park to hike up to Tolmie Peak. From the trailhead at the west end of the lake, this is a 6 mile round trip with 1,100 ft of elevation gain,  The immediately joins the Wonderland Trail going north along the shore of Mowich Lake before heading up to Upset Pass about 1 mile from the trailhead. 

Shortly before Ipsut Pass, the trail to Eunice Lake and Tolmie Peak takes off on the left. This trail drops down about 200 ft as it goes down to the creek coming off of Eunice Lake.

 The trail goes past a couple of open areas next to large rocky cliffs and wildflowers.

 Down at the creek, there is a short spur trail leading to the creek where there is a small waterfall. There were lots of bluebells in bloom here.

 The trail then goes up in a series of switchbacks up to Eunice Lake. Beargrass was still blooming here.

 At Eunice Lake, you can look up and see the fire lookout up on the ridge about 600 ft above.

 The trail follows near the south side of Eunice Lake, we saw lot of wildflowers in bloom here, paintbrush,

















heather, and  lupine.

views of Eunice Lake from the trail at the southwest end of the lake

 we saw  a couple of patches of avalanche lilies, but they will soon be gone.

 The trail then goes up to Tolmie Peak in a series of switchbacks. Early on, there were a couple of peak a boo views of Mt Rainier through the trees.

 Then the trail opens up for a short ways, giving marvelous views of Mt Rainier, Lake Eunice and some wildflowers. The beargrass on this open slope are starting to go.










The trail then reaches a saddle where are views to the northwest. Here there are lots of colorful wildflowers.

A short ways up through the forest, and we reached Tolmie Peak with a broad open view of Mt Rainier and Eunice Lake.

 Many people were on this hike this morning, but everyone spread out along the ridge or up on the fire lookout to enjoy this glorious view. We had no trouble finding a place to sit and relax.

 Through the trees to the far north, we saw Glacier Peak as well.












some of the other wildflowers we saw in bloom along the trail today: