Last week we decided to do a little exploring in the forests that surround Greenwater out along Highway 410. We had a couple of different trails and destinations we wanted to check out, including a return trip to Colquhoun Peak for a snow-free trek up the site of a former fire lookout. As we knew from our previous visit, this short hike offers some excellent views of Mt. Rainier and the White River Valley. Although quite short, Colquhoun Peak makes a good addition to a day of hiking, delivering excellent views in a very little time. Combining a trip of Colquhoun Peak with a trek up Kelley Butte or Blowout Mountain can make for a decent day of hiking and exploring this area. While the trail is somewhat steep and a little rough, because it is only a half-mile, the trail should be approachable for almost any hiker. As an added bonus, this trail also does not see a lot of foot traffic, probably because it is a little tricky to find. So expect to savor Colquhoun Peak’s views without anyone else around. For the full report, check out: http://www.hikingwithmybrother.com/2012/11/colquhoun-peak-trail-1195.html Nathan & Jer

Colquhoun Peak does not get many hikers. It is a long drive for a ½ mile, 600 ft of elevation, hike. The views are only fair. I normally combine this hike with another hike in the general area, such as Kelly Butte, or Pyramid Peak. Today I took my trusty trail saw and cut out most of the trees across the trail and on the spur road, 110. Getting there, from Greenwater, take FR 70, 7030 to the big T-intersection with 7032 and 7036. A ¼ mile east is spur road 110; you will need moderate clearance vehicle to drive 110, and there is only room for three cars at end. Colquhoun is the site of a former fire look out and you expect to have good views in all direction, however the trees have grown up around the site blocking all views. Not all is lost, at the last switchback before the summit, follow a faint path to the right, through some tree limbs, to a clear ridge with good views.

Not easy to find- no signs. Trailhead at the end of a short spur off FS7036 not far from FS7030 junction. We parked at the turnoff to the spur and hiked from there. That turned out to be a good call- parking area at the trailhead was 3/4 covered with snow and no room to turn around. Trail proper begins at far end of parking area and is not signed. It is a short, steep trail with great views of Mt. Rainier and the SW Cascades from the top. It looks like this trail gets very little use- no footprints in the snow patches on the trail, lots of blowdowns but none too difficult to get around. Nice quiet serene short hike.

I've looked at my Lester, WA map on many occassions and wondered about this trail that you drive alllllll the way to the top and hike .5 miles to the summit. It bugged me so much that I got in my car with my boyfriend and decided to find out what this trail is all about and how come I haven't heard anyone talk about it. First, it's a little difficult to find FS road 7030 from FS70 because someone has shot bullet holds in the sign so it's hard to make out. Then you drive up and the roads are unmarked. But we found the road (by guessing)but turned around before we got to the road to the trail. Mostly because of my fear of heights. The road is narrow and without trees on the downside...it was scary. Especially scary because there were signs that log hauling is taking place and David just got through telling me stories about being on logging roads with the trucks barrelling down the roads. We were probably a few feet from the turn off but, like I said, I was terrified of the height...not that others couldn't make it through...the road is wide enough for one car (but not two). Next time if I can't make it, I might park my car and walk the extra way, just to check this trail out. The trailhead starts at 4600 feet and we saw only patches of snow. The roads are clear. We drove to FS road 7034 and parked in a wide area and walked an abandoned road. It was great to be up so high. Catherine

I am the first one to write a report for this trail in the WTA database! Nice short trail—about half a mile in distance. It is in good shape and is maintained. Views are somewhat limiting due to trees at the summit. Finding it is difficult. After the main intersection with FS Road 7030 you will want to take the very first drivable dirt road off to the right—the road is not marked but drivable for passenger cars. Take the road to the end where you will find the trail. “Why put a trail here'”, is what you are going to ask yourself.