Before I ramble about how wonderful this hike was, I want to clarify that I would never bring children, pets, or the elderly past the end of the maintained trail. Once you find the ropes (there are three ropes that are extremely helpful for ascending and descending to the summit), a lot of extra caution is needed. The drops look pretty scary. Bring decent shoes. If in doubt, stay low to the ground and go slowly! Channel your inner mountain goat. This hike is just up, up, up. Your leg muscles will feel the burn, and it will be great. We never saw the sign marking the end of the maintained trail, maybe we were too focused on other things. Our intention was to continue past it, anyway. The maintained trail itself is in great condition. From the top, the panorama is phenomenal. We could even see Canada across the strait of Juan de Fuca! Definitely do this hike on a clear day.

Just off the the popular trail to Marymere Falls, this equally accessible trail provides a surprising bit of solitude. The trail climbs steeply through pleasant woodland, is in good condition, and is free of snow and mud. Although vehicle traffic far below on Highway 101 can sometimes be heard from the trail, the chattering rush of Barnes Creek, hidden from sight deep in the wooded valley riven on the mountain’s southern flank, is a near constant companion. Numerous diminutive wildflowers all along the trail reward the watchful hiker, including the western fairy slipper (a native orchid) and dogwood. The trail’s several vantage points offer sweeping views of Lake Crescent and Barnes Creek Valley; however, exercise caution, especially with small children, as all viewpoints perch on the brinks of precipices from which falls could be disastrous.

We started out in the early afternoon and going in the larger trail (to Marymere falls) was clear and dry despite a light drizzle. There was some tree debris at the head of the Storm King trail which was easily stepped over. Most of the trail is incredibly steep with sections where you are practically climbing up root networks. There was no clearly marked end to the trail, so we stopped once we got to a fairly rocky section and map my hike told me we'd gone over 2 miles in. The weather went from drizzle, to sun and finally a fairly steady rain. The Storm King trail stayed clear and stable despite the weather. We headed to Marymere after Storm King and that trail was full of washouts and muddy. I was thankful my new hiking boots were waterproof. All in all, the scenery was nice and we encountered only a few other people on Storm King, though Marymere was quite crowded.

The trail is in good shape and easy to follow. There is no snow and very little mud. We saw slugs, snakes, gray jays, robins, chickadees, trillium, yellow violets, pretty pink succulents and more. The views of the lake from the first viewpoints were beautiful! In the distance we could see the Straight of Jaun de Fuca. We continued UP to the viewpoint at the end of the trail where we found a nice spot to sit and enjoy the view of trees and peaks. We wanted to go farther but respected the sign and our safety. After descending we strolled over to the lovely Marymere Falls. Our hike got off to a bad start when I realized, about half a mile up, that I had left my phone on top of the car. Hubby ran down to get it. We are so happy that it was still there. Thanks to all the good people that saw it and left there for us! Great day!

Only one other car was in the parking lot when we arrived to the trailhead at about 9:45 this morning. Weather was wet, grey and dripping. The trail up to Mount Storm King was in decent shape a few small limbs and sapplings lay over the trail. Only minimal melting snow at the top, less than an inch and only spotty at best. Views of Lake Cresent were socked in with fog. Sauntered to Marymere Falls after descending the climb to the top. The falls were gorged with water.