Petes Creek - Colonel Bob Peak

I was greeted at the trailhead by a swarm of insects, engulfed from the moment I opened my car door until I rushed past the trail register. After that, the swarm disbursed, content with providing only a handful of bugs to take turns buzzing my head for the entire length of the trail. I'm sure the abundance of wildflowers had a hand in their overwhelming presence...

That being said, it was a beautiful day for a hike and the views did not disappoint. I attempted to hike Colonel Bob back on the fourth of July; however, snow and missing trail markers forced me to turn back at Moonshine Flats. This time, the snow fields had all but vanished and in their places lay verdant fields awash with the reds, purples and whites of wild flowers. (there was still some snow, not enough to hinder passage)

While I didn't lose the trail this time, it was obscured by brush in several places. Aside from that, the trail was in fine shape and I was able to spend over an hour at the top by myself, soaking in the views of the Olympics, Lake Quinault and even Mt Rainier.