I started my hike off around 6.45 in the morning. By about 7 I reached the boulder that marks the start of the Storm King trail and headed up the mountain! On the way up I only ran into 2 other people, so it was pretty peaceful the whole way. When they say it's a calf burner and there are a ton of switchbacks, they weren't joking. For reference, I just got back into hiking, I grew up doing it but kind of fell out as I got older. There are parts of the hike where you can get a little view of Lake Crescent through the trees, which is stunning from every angle btw, and I used these points as water breaks or to catch my breath. There were also points where I was questioning myself and what I was doing but I pushed through. Finally, I reached the ropes. The first one is the longest and steepest, but after that it's a piece of cake. I found a pile of gloves at the bottom for you to use, please don't be like me and do this without gloves. You will regret it. The peak is absolutely STUNNING and well worth the strenuous hike. I rested at the top (Which I had to myself for a while thanks to my early start) and ate a small breakfast. Be careful of the birds, they WILL try to land on your head. The way back down the ropes was far harder than the way up, so don't be afraid to take your time. I started down around 9am, and passed many people on the way up, so an even earlier start is recommended. I arrived in the parking lot at 10.45 covered in dust but proud of myself for attempting, and succeeding, this climb so early in my hiking adventures. Some advice I have for those wanting to do this hike is: bring hiking poles, bring at least 2 liters of water (I drank 1.5 the whole hike but probably should've had more), WEAR PANTS as you will get dirty, wear sunscreen and bug spray (There were tons of mosquitoes) take your time especially on the ropes (It's not a race, if you fall you might meet your maker) and enjoy it!! I was able to get through a 4 hour retail shift almost immediately after, however two days later and I'm still insanely sore all over. I'm proud of completing this hike as one of my first (:

This was an awesome hike its grueling and hard and you will get very dirty, the maintained trail is actually pretty good minus all people who have gone off trail thus damaging it🙃. It is steep and switch backy but i never thought it was particularly crazy for washington just not a tourist style trail.

The sketchiest part is the unmaintained trail with multiple rope sections after the trail offically ends. I added some pictures that hopefully give a decent idea of what youre in for.

The rope areas are not extremely hard but definitely more dangeroues then your average hiker is probably used to so please use best judgement and always think about going back down! Its easy to go up it, it is alot scarier to go back down and a few folks were held up cause they got scared.

The ropes them selves are in pretty suspect condition there are multiple ropes that have been either desheathed or damaged in some noticable manner i would NOT trust them and use them only as you have to, also Definitely watch what you put your weight on but more then that please be patient when other people are on the ropes putting 3+ peoples weight on these lines is reckless for no real reason.

Once you have past the roped area youll find your self at the summit with a bit of a scramble to go over its easy terrain kinda hands and feet needed but very exposed and the dirtyness of the area causes it to be slippery make sure you have shoes with good traction! 

I highly suggest having nice shoes and trekking poles for the way back down as even the well maintained trail is slippery with the dry dirt and generally choss of the area.

Finally this trail was WAYYY more popular on a tuesdsy at 2pm then i thought it would be for how hard and spooky it can be at times becareful who is infront of you and avoid people who are being dangerous. (I had to tell "adults" to not throw rocks off the side of the cliff) other then that this is a 5 star hike.

We decided to hike Storm King although I was going in knowing I would stop at the ropes.
Once you turn left up off of Marymere Falls Trail, you head up thru a tree roots and dusty trail (this time of year) As you climb out of the mossy rainforest Trail, the forest changes to more madronas and it opens up before you finally reach some peek a boo views of the lake and you can feel some accomplishment when you see how much elevation you have truly gained in a quick time! 1000 feet a mile is no joke. It is a straight up climb, there’s no flat sections to catch your breath. It’s hard but short, All types of hikers new and old do it, just go slow and you will make it. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to complete the hike RT. We turned around after we climbed over the rock spine just past the signage that said ‘unmaintained trail’ for just a few more hundred feet, it is steep and exposed, stopping at the ropes to watch a few folks line up to climb up. if not experienced, I would suggest to stop there. I heard a bunch of rock fall, which also made me happy with my decision to not climb ropes today (plus, it would’ve been good to have gloves if you’re choosing to do that.)
4 miles and 2000 feet elevation gain. A great workout — prepare to sweat, a buff is very useful for this hike.

Beautiful trail! I did it on a sunny day, the hike is pretty easy up to a point, you just need some energy and to watch your step because the loose dirt can get super slippery, especially on the way down. After the ropes (yep, there are ropes!), things get a bit more intense with a short scrambling section. It looks a little scary, but you’re super close to the top and the view is totally worth it! Bring plenty of water, and if you can, wear gloves so you don’t hurt your hands on the way back down.

It’s also right near Marymere Falls, which is an easy and beautiful walk, and Lake Crescent is right across the road, perfect for cooling off after the hike!!!

Wear shoes w good tread and bring poles for heading down: there’s quite a bit of dry loose gravel on the trail. Many were slipping and sliding on the way down, getting covered in fine brown dust.

It’s a gorgeous hike! And more comfortable with strong-tread shoes and poles.