New ropes added.

Ropes missing - Love this trail, great condition, incredible views and it is a nice short thigh burner. This was the first time I did the hike and found the ropes at the top were missing. I could not muster the courage to do the steep gravel area without them. It was still a beautiful hike but I missed the unobstructed view from the top. I hope someone puts new rope up soon.

Get up early and have this little beauty all to yourself as I did! The trail is gorgeous and well maintained up until you reach the sign that says "trail is unmaintained after this point, proceed at own risk" (or something like that. This is where it opens up with great views of Barnes creek valley and glimpses of Lake Crescent. Caution, if you have small children, do not go past the sign. As you continue upward, there are ropes anchored to assist you up a 50 or so yard section of loose gravel. The ropes looked okay to me, but I would advise proceeding one at a time. You will continue and reach another rope to help you up another 50 or so yard section of steep trail and loose gravel (these ropes are VERY helpful on the way down!) Turn left to reach an awesome viewpoint reached by hiking a cool knife-edged ridge. I stopped here for a bit, took tons of pics and ate breakfast. I went back to the junction to explore the trail to the main peak. I would say I scrambled about 3/4 of the way to the top, but I got a bit freaked out and descended very slowly and cautiously...whew! Would be good to have climbing gear and knowledge for the main peak. Anyway, I left the parking lot at 0600 and didn't see a single soul until I was halfway down, awesome!

This trip to Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula was special. A destination primarily for locals, this is a popular summer picnic spot. What makes this a treat is the unusual mix of green lake, ancient forest in the rainbelt, lovely waterfall with a custom wood staircase/viewing platforms for a closeup view, and a somewhat steep trail to a lovely view overlooking the lake and valley next door.

Hiked Storm King for the first time early Saturday morning with my love. It was a perfect day for this hike, not too warm, not too cold, and NO rain! I'd be lying to say this hike wasn't a challenge but it was well worth the sore legs. The view overlooking the lake is absolutely beautiful. We climbed as high as we could and wanted to go to the very top, but it looked to have been washed out, there was a rope tied to some trees but it looked a little sketchy being that you are literally on the edge of a cliff at this point in the climb. The entire trail is well maintained and safe. We had a great morning and will definitely be doing this hike again!