Yeah the trailhead for Mount Rainier's Skyline Loop is pretty straightforward to find. Just take the Paradise Road exit and follow the signs past the ranger station. Parking usually fills up by 7:30 on summer weekends so arriving before dawn is a good idea. The full loop runs about five and a half miles with some steep switchbacks near Panorama Point but the payoff is worth it. You get these sweeping views of the Nisqually Glacier and on a clear day you can see all the way to Mount St. Helens. I recommend microspikes even in July because there can be snow patches up high. The wildflower display in late July is incredible especially the avalanche lilies and lupine. There is a shorter out-and-back option to Myrtle Falls if you want something easier. Bring extra layers because the wind picks up in the afternoon and temperatures drop fast above treeline. I usually pack a thermos of tea and a sandwich to eat at the overlook. Let me know if you want beta on current conditions.

I finally tried making that garlic butter pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes and it turned out really well. The key is to roast the tomatoes at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes until they start to caramelize and burst. While those are in the oven you can cook the pasta al dente and then toss it with butter minced garlic and a splash of the pasta water to create a light sauce. I added some fresh basil and Parmesan on top at the end. Next time I might try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more complete meal. The whole thing comes together in about 35 minutes total so it is perfect for a weeknight dinner. You should definitely try it. The key is not to overcook the garlic and to use good quality Parmesan. I found that a little lemon zest at the end brightens everything up nicely. Let me know if you want the exact measurements I used.