Colonel Bob

It’s difficult to image a better day for this hike. We enjoyed sunshine and high temperatures in the mid 70’s. The road to the trailhead is excellent as is the trail. There’s less than 10 yards of the trail still under snow and the few logs across the trail are easily skirted or climbed. The biggest detractor is brush that has grown and narrowed the trail to as few as 18 inches in many places. Overall the conditions are great and the view is better than advertised. The trailhead sign claims 4 miles to Colonel Bob. Someone has carved out a longer distance into the sign. For what it’s worth my GPS was closer to 3.4 each way.

We always try to add information in our trip reports for those who hike with kids. For the right family this is a great opportunity to reach a 360 degree view peak and sign a summit register. The slope of the climb and the loose footing across the avalanche chute and a few other places make this a trail that is more challenging than the distance might suggest. On the steepest climbs it is not unusual to have to step up 18 to 24 inches to get to the next step or rock. We made it up and down without incident with our 5 and 8 year old. Their previous biggest hike was Mt. Pilchuck. These are kids that are on the trail at least twice a month and are very enthusiastic hikers. Even so, it took us more than 9 hours from start to finish. Grandpa joined us on this one and he is always good for motivation and fun so even the 9 hours was enjoyable. This summit is achievable for experienced families, but don’t take it on as a lark while visiting Lake Quinault.