Independence Day Hike

I took my second annual Independence Hike today, same route as last year, 15 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. Beautiful day, clear skies. Last year we were two, this year we had 7 hikers. :)

Mt. Rainier from a high viewpoint to the east.

The flowers were surprisingly different. I don't recall seeing any of this plant (Monotropa hypopithys, or Many-flowered Indian Pipe) last year:

Interesting wood steps, attached to a log lying at a steep angle.