The Pinnacle Peak Trail offers spectacular views of Mt Rainier and Mt Adams - on a clear day.The trail has an uphill climb of less than two miles with a little over a thousand foot gain. It's a pleasant little hike through sub-alpine forests and rocky terrain. At the top is a lovely saddle with the most lush vegetation. All of it dripping with moisture.
We had the trail to ourselves - Rue, Annie, my grand-daughter Daisy, Taraz and myself. It was socked in with fog and light rain and the most wonderful fresh air. This time of year is my favorite, when everything is in transition.
Summer has come and gone and autumn is approaching. Yet here on Mt Rainier the colors are still those of spring - the deep greens and new foliage of plants that have just emerged from under ice fields and snow banks. They are dwarfed and hearty and thrive packed together in dense clusters. Lupine and magenta paintbrush grow along the trail. Pika and marmot scurry and call in the rocks. Some of them are so accustomed to travelers on this trail that they came right up to us, looking for a handout.Taraz joined us on this hike. He'd climbed up here last year with his brother Rahmat, and they'd done some filming.
He was in his element, climbing the rubble, exploring outcroppings, taking in the drama of the weather. Shouting. Yodeling. Singing. 
This is Annie with Taraz. My son Rue purchased ponchos for all of us. These lightweight type are perfect for warmer weather, lightweight yet keep you dry.Annie made vegetable wraps for our lunch, with spinach tortillas, provolone, turkey, field greens, sprouts and dressing.
These pack very well, and even if crushed they survive intact, tasty and filling. I brought along a bottle of Odwalla 'Super Food' Juice. Just very refreshing. As I drank it along the trail, Rue suggested that I make my own, from produce from the garden. And, I thought that was a very good idea.Rue grilled kielbasa franks for dinner at the end of the hike, and they sure were a hit.
The smoke from the grilling sure gets the appetite going, and then you realize how hungry you are! 
We ate our dinner in this lovely spot, along the roadside.
