Today we hiked the Rainier Skyline Trail from the Paradise visitors center. The summit was often shrouded in the clouds but occasionally they parted. We also saw several marmots all of whom were completely unconcerned by the hikers just a few feet away. The chipmunks however are very attentive and beg for food by crawling the laps of hikers and trying to get into backpacks.
The trail was covered by snow in several areas so poles came in handy.
This hike is only 5.6 miles but it has a steep ascent which is shared by the hikers who are continuing to Camp Muir and eventually the summit. Even Mt. Adams was briefly visible in the distance above the clouds.