Arrived around 1 and found parking, albeit on the road - lot was still full. We were some of the last folks heading up at that time, though, so it was a peaceful ascent even before we reached the junction for the peak. Thank you to the WTA crew that was out working on what looked like a part of a climbing loop off the main trail. 

We enjoyed great solitude on the steep climb up to the peak, passing just a few folks, and took in the awesome, sheer view of Lower Granite Lake from above. On the way down, we made a quick stop at the balcony and a couple of the lookouts before a much-appreciated legs- and knees-soak at the bottom. All in all, an afternoon well spent! 

Foggy conditions in the morning. Overgrown trees few parts of trail otherwise trail is in excellent condition.

Rating hard, and it was, but always worth it. Not a hike I recommend for beginners. It's uphill the majority of the hike. The heat got to me a bit. Some flies flew in my mouth :O). They were a little annoying. The only thing about the trail signs. It comes a point when you will see two signs. They both say Dirty Harry peak. If you are up for a challenge, go to the left. If you want a more moderate hike, go to the right, which is the lookout. 

We hiked to peak on this warm and sunny June Saturday. As other trip reports mentioned, the first 3 miles are very gentle ascends compared to the last mile or so. My watch clocked about 1,300 of elevation gain in a little over a mile. The views at the top were well worth it though! We caught a gorgeous peak at Rainer on this clear day.

Another trip report mentions the creek crossing at around 3,000 feet. It’s passable with steady footing. There’s no snow on the trail at this point so it should be passable without microspikes for the rest of the season.

Oh! Wildflowers! There were a few scattered around. I was particularly enchanted by some of the purple penstemons.

Great hike, great views, great weather. Happy hiking! 

Summer hiking season has arrived at Exit 38. I was happy to see climbers, families, and runners in the lower section of the trail. The intersection with the creek above 3,000’ has plenty of rocks to hop; poles were helpful. A few small patches of snow remained in the final 300 vertical feet and were soft and easy to cross.

The trail is nearly entirely south-facing and felt much warmer in the sun than ambient temperature. I went through more water than I had expected. Cellular service also was almost continuous (AT&T). Summit views from Pilchuck, Kulshan, and Index to the Alpental basin were spectacular.