Spent a beautiful Sunday here and it did not disappoint! We got the 7:10 ferry out of Edmonds and got to the trailhead at 9:15 with one spot left in the lot. Road has a few small potholes but is otherwise clear. Our GPS with Apple Maps tried to take us to the lower lot using the pin from Washington Trails but thankfully we figured it out based on previous trip reports and looking at signs. There were a few mosquitos flying around when we parked but otherwise didn’t see them on the trail. There were flies and other flying bugs throughout but overall not annoyingly so. It was a hot one today especially on the exposed switchbacks but had a good breeze on the ridge. Sunscreen and sun protection is advised and extra water! We went through almost all of our 4 liters. The bathroom at the trailhead was stocked with TP still when we left around 2 today. There are tons of flowers still blooming!

I had forgotten that most of the Forest Service road leading to the Upper parking lot is paved. [there's a gravel section just after the gravel pit at the bottom and about a half-mile of gravel just before the Upper parking lot]. It's always an unexpected treat. And, I've learned that "when in doubt, stay on the paved road" as there are several gravel spur roads that lead off it along the route. Also, contrary to the WTA driving directions, there are clear signs designating which way to go to the "Lower" or "Upper" parking lots at the critical intersection (on the paved road)! We started hiking at around 9:15 a.m. and got the next to last parking spot. I'm guessing the lot can accommodate around 15 vehicles. By the time we returned after our hike, many cars were parked on the road that approaches the parking lot. The hike immediately starts climbing and there really isn't much of a let up. It took us just over two hours to reach the top but we're in our 70's and we stopped frequently to drink water, take pictures and enjoy the view. The wild flowers are spectacular in the meadows and the rhody's are still blooming in the forest. For those with dogs, we crossed only one trickle of a stream (on the bottom half of the climb), so it is drying out rapidly. I suggest bringing a set of small binoculars for the top but even with the naked eye we could make out the downtown Seattle skyscrapers (despite obvious smoke to the south from a fire near Lake Cushman). There were occasionally bugs but they 1) never bit and 2) we didn't use any repellent. So, today at least they were not a problem. We saw very few hikers on our way up to the summit. There were only six of us at the top, but on the way down (we left shortly before noon), we passed a ton of hikers heading up the mountain. It took about an hour and one-half for the descent. As always, a beautiful hike.

My 4th time doing this hike over the years, and I still think it has the the most beautiful hike in the Olympics. It is difficult for the average hiker (like me) but worth it.
But it is getting popular! Get there early. On a Monday, we got what I thought was the last parking space at 9 am, and on our way up saw just a few folks coming down. We encountered about 10 others at the top. But on our way down between 12 to 1:30 we saw at least 15 parties heading up. And when we finished there were lots of cars parked along the road past the parking lot.

This hike has incredible views, isn’t too crowded, and feels like just the right amount of mileage/elevation gain to make the summit especially enjoyable :)

We started around 9 am on a Sunday morning, holiday weekend. The upper trailhead parking lot was full but there were still a couple spots on the side of the road available. Restroom at the trailhead well stocked and pretty clean.

Of note, we got a bit confused on the way to the upper trailhead. You’ll probably lose service on Forest Road 27. There’s a dirt road turn-off to the right about ~5 miles in on Forest Road 27 that’s unmarked. It looks like there’s a post for a sign that someone has removed. Anyways, just stay on the paved road, and don’t turn onto gravel until you see one that’s explicitly marked as the Upper Trailhead road. Eventually you’ll see a sign to go left for Lower Trailhead, right for Upper Trailhead (new, must have been added after the WTA Getting There directions were written).

The first 1.5 miles or so climb up through forested area; peak rhododendron bloom has passed but there were still some left to admire. The climb isn’t too steep and there aren’t too many switchbacks, especially if you’re used to the ones you’d find on I-90 corridor hikes.

Around 1.5 miles you’ll start to break through the trees and you’re treated to some great views of the sound. The trail definitely flattens out around the 2 mile mark for a while, which is a great breather. You do start getting pretty exposed and the heat can be intense, so make sure you bring enough water! Ended up rationing ours towards the end.

Trail got a bit slippery from loose gravel in last half mile, but nothing too extreme (we did not have hiking poles and we were fine)

Summit was breathtaking. Blue sky day with very little wind. Bugs weren’t an issue. From the top we could see mount baker, rainier, adams, and saint helens! Overall 10/10 would definitely recommend!

Incredible day on the mountain! Wta coordinates took us right to the trailhead even though the last 10 miles is outside of service. Trailhead parking has a stocked privy and room for 10-14 cars, with limited spots down the road on the precarious gravel pullouts. Beware of folks speeding in the opposite direction on the climb as there are few places to let folks pass by. We parked along the road for an 8am start up the trail.
It’s a well-graded dirt path to the summit, not a brutal climb, but unrelenting as there aren’t many flat sections to catch a breath. We weren’t expecting to be treated to such a variety of wildflowers! Flox, paintbrush, columbine, lupine, tiger lilies, bunchberry and more! Pink rhododendron line much of the first third of the trail, too! What a delight.
There are several nice rocky spots to stop for a break, and the views begin to open up as you ascend above the trees. The trail is mostly through the woods until the last 3rd, when you begin to have more exposure. The trail junction sign for Silver Lake is tucked back a bit and may be easy to miss. Go right for the summit.
You know you’re nearly there when the 4-lane superhighway comes into view. Careful on loose gravel at the summit and just below. Poles could be useful to avoid slipsliding your way off the summit.
Incredible views in all directions today! Lots of rocky outcroppings at the top for gazing and enjoying. For a popular trail we had plenty of solitude throughout the day. No throngs of folks at the top either, just a smattering.
Happy trails!