Yeah, I totally see what you mean about the trail conditions. We did that loop near Mount Rainier last weekend and the switchbacks were practically a creek. I thought my boots were waterproof enough but about halfway through I just gave up trying to stay dry. The views at the top though were absolutely worth every squishy step. You can see the entire valley from that overlook and the wildflowers are still going strong. A buddy of mine says the best time to go is late July because the snowmelt finally clears and the marmots come out everywhere. We actually saw three of them sunbathing on a rock like they owned the place. I forgot to pack an extra pair of socks and that was a mistake I won't make again. Next time I am bringing gaiters too. Anyway you should totally tag along next time. I know a route that avoids the worst of the mud and still gives you that big payoff view at the summit.

It was funny because I told myself I would not stop for photos every five minutes but I absolutely did. The light was hitting the ridge in a way that looked unreal. I have a friend who edits photos for a living and she said the colors looked too saturated to be real but I swear it was exactly like that. Anyway lets plan something for next month before the weather turns.