A lot of quick elevation gain. We were walking through the clouds during the last half of the hike. Fortunately they opened up for a minute when we got to the top so we could take in the amazing view.

Beautiful clear day at Lake Crescent for a hike up Storm King. Steep trail with great views of the lake and a section of the Strait and VI closer to the top. Unfortunately, beyond the "hazardous" sign the rope had been removed making that last section a bit too sketchy for us. From prior posts looks like that has been a problem. We wanted to ask a ranger if the Park had removed it due to liability, but didn't see one on the trail. Nice warm day and a refreshing jump in the lake before heading out!

More pics at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/51278183@N05/sets/72157633040812464/ Typical mid-March gave us a bit of everything on our hike up Storm King Mt. This trail shares its beginning with the Marymere Falls trail, first traveling through a tunnel under 101. The Marymere trail accommodates 3-4 abreast easily – a superhighway. Although it did not have the crowds of summer, we saw 6 other hikers before arriving at the huge boulder signaling the turnoff to Storm King. The trail narrows and steepens. The madrona trees along this trail are a real treat with their graceful curves and vibrant yellow-red-green peeling trunks. I recall doing this trail as a young girl on a hot day and feeling pretty put out at the top, hot and sticky, when the only reward was a view of the lake I would much rather be IN! That was quickly remedied some 30+ years ago the minute we were back at the lake. Today I reveled in the climb as the drizzle turned to snow about ½ way up. The trail was snow free (except what fell as we walked, maybe 3/4 inch) and in great shape, though you must watch your step as much of it is a network of roots and rocks. I commented on our way up at what a whiner I’d been as a lass; this trail’s a breeze! We got to the first viewpoint and had a lovely gander at the mist below, what I call a “faith view” (we BELIEVE the lake is down there). We went on up to the end of the maintained trail, still in a cloud. My husband said, “I agree with little you; this hike was hard – my GPS says 1843 gain in 1.4 miles.” I thought he was silly until we headed down, then my knees secretly sided with him. As we headed down, the sun and wind combined to offer us – YES! – Lake Crescent at our feet, and even fleeting glimpses across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to British Columbia. I was not as tempted today to jump in the lake upon our return. On the way down the snow melted and dropped off the trees so fast it sounded like a million tiny streams all around us. My husband and I both got nailed by mischievous firs dropping loads of snow just as we passed under. That’s REFRESHING down the back of the neck! Back on Marymere trail, we (my husband notes I am using the royal we) were not ready to call it a day, so we headed up Barnes Creek trail and then to Marymere Falls (separate trip report on that stroll). We saw 6 other hikers total on Storm King, 3 on the way up & 3 as we headed down. It felt like we had the trail to ourselves. This is a great winter hike and a much better way, I think, to do Storm King than battling the heat and hordes of summer.

What a beautiful hike!! This one had been on my bucket list for a couple of years. I had originally come across it on a hiking book, then later on wta. It shares the trail with Marymere Falls which is flat for a little bit. Then you come across a sign that says Storm king, and it goes straight up. Right from the beginning!!! Here is where you leave the crowds behind :). We were huffing and puffing all the way up. But boy was it worth it. The views were amazing. Down below, Lake Crescent looked like a Jewel. I can't stress enough how gorgeous it was. Watch your step, its easy to be distracted by the views, but a misstep could be fatal. We hiked to the end of the maintained trail, this is at 1.9 miles. There is a sign there. If you wish you can continue, but trail is very exposed past this point, and it looked a bit dicey. We decided to turn around. It started snowing a little bit while we were at the top. Though it didn't stick. We saw 8 people total while we were on this trail. Trail is in great condition.

Awesome hike & climb! Here's my YouTube 12min video of the trip: http://youtu.be/DczTmWK86cc Trail is in perfect condition. Climber path beyond maintained trail has some fun Class 3 bits. And watch out for needle ice in the mud and on the rocks. The subpeak has a great view and avoids the exposure to the main peak. Dropped my GPS off the cliff! Argh! Met a firefighter doing the trail twice that day for fitness training.