Snowfields still blanket many areas of the Pacific Crest Trail along the Natches Loop on Mt Rainier.
This trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park, with views of Tipsoo Lake, Dewey Lake, and Chinook Pass.
Although the trail gains only 700 feet in elevation I found hiking to be precarious in places due to melting snow and slushy paths.
I used poles and went slowly - our daughter-in-law, Annie, sprained an ankle here last week. Ice over creeks was melting, thinning out, creating holes along the trail.
There were a lot of families on this trail, some carrying babies in backpacks, or walking with young children. 
Looking down on Dewey Lake - we met backpackers who planned to camp there. (Photo set in Flickr).
The earliest flowers are now in full bloom in the dryer meadows.
