It was an early start since we were headed up to Sunrise. To add more steps we started at Sunrise Point. It was the first time for us to walk along the Sourdough Ridge.

We had a quick restroom break & stop at the Ranger Station for a new map. Then back up to the trail heads.

We have hiked to Frozen Lake and the Burroughs many times. Seemed like a good day to try out a new trail. Huckleberry Trail turned out to be one of the most solicitude trails we have ever experienced at Rainier. Over the 2.5 hours on this trail we only met a Rainier volunteer.

On the way back to Sunrise we came across this large male mountain goat not far from the main trail. All summer at the 2nd Burrough we have seen a herd of mountain goats far in the distance, but this was a first for a single male close to the trail.

Our hike back to Sunrise Point had one more surprise waiting for us and another 1st. A single fox walked straight down the path towards us before veering off the trail only a few feet from us. Just a short detour. The fox was soon back on the trail & on its way down the trail.

What a day! We have hiked at Mt Rainier many many times over the past 23 years. It’s exciting to know that 1st experiences are always there to enjoy in nature.

Parts of the Carbon River trail was washed out in 2006. Thankfully you can still hike down the road to the Ipsut Creek Camp which is perfect for getting our legs & feet ready for The Camino.

From Ipsut we made it another few miles enjoying an obstacle course of several log bridges before turning around for the day. Our longest hike so far at 15 miles.

Perfect weather for a day hike up at Mt Rainer. Temps in the high 50s all day.

Saw 8 marmots (record for us) and 16 chipmunks. Over the summer we have seen more chipmunks than usual up at Rainier.

A lovely day to get our feet & legs in shape.