All in all it was a very good day hike, it was a little more difficult to get to the trail head than I had expected, do not recommend taking a car, you really need a truck. Once you get there the trail is quite accessible, and the views are spectacular, I would recommend it to everyone.

Very scenic, and a great place to see the fall colors of the small bushes that coat the hillsides. Only hiked in the first three miles. The FSR is pretty bad with lots of loose, large rocks (probably due to all the dryness). The vehicle took a beating even with only doing about 10 MPH max.

A perfect day, sunny and clear, to be out on this trail. Magnificent views from many parts of the trail. So you are rewarded for your efforts. The trail was dusty dry but led to a quick pace. Key notes:
 - 6 mile road to trailhead off Hwy 410 is rough so drive an appropriate vehicle.
 - trail is shared with mountain bikers so stay alert.
 - not buggy though we were well prepared.
 - wild flowers in bloom but not as many as a few weeks ago.
 - enjoyed wild miniature strawberrys - smartly tasty.
 - not much wild life viewed. Some bear scat evident.
 - rate as moderately easy - just two minor climbs to get the heart pounding.
 
We will certainly have this one on our list for next summer. Great hike for a cler day to take in the views. We did this one last Sept on a cloudy day and didn't realize the views we were missing. Now we know!

This is my third time to the Knob of Nobility a fantastic hike and ridge walk with, I think, some of the best views of Mt. Rainier in the area and usually better than those in the park.

Getting to the trail head, however, is not for the faint of heart. The road while not horrible is full of jutting rocks, gullies, and dermatitis. It is also steep, gaining about 3200 feet in 6 miles (this is my estimate). Luckily I did not drive this time in my CRV but Jeff drove us in his Toyota 4-Runner. We did see a young family in a Prius who seemed to handle to road OK, I would not recommend such vehicles as there is a real danger of damage to the undercharge of low clearance vehicles.

The hike was a real treat for Joani and Lin who had never been up to the ridge. Wildflowers including Harebell, Meadow Parsley, Mountain Heliotrope, Indian Paintbrush, and Lupine were in bloom, everywhere. Magnificent views of Mt. Rainier were in evidence along with views of the Cascades, Enchantments (Mt. Stewart), and Snoqualmie Pass Peaks.

The days heat was noticeable, and hiking in warm summer temperatures means brining extra water for the hike and car (after hike hydration) which we did.

After the hike we stopped at a DQ for burgers and ice cream and more fluids. I have noted on our last two hikes several cups of diet soda does wonders for me, from lack of stiffness to generally easier movement.

We did not notice any bug problems, we did have repellant but for the most part bugs were not interested in our party.

Also please note take the trail at the far Western end of the parking lot. There is a steeper trail about midway along the lot which goes up the ridge line rather than side hilling the ridge. This mid parking lot trail probably adds 300 or so feet of elevation gain to the hike. We made the mistake of going up this trail but came down what should be considered the main trail.