1 person found this report helpful
This easternmost peak in the Olympic Mountains is a great little day hike for people of all ages and abilities! I took a first time hiker here and it was a good choice-- steep enough that you're rewarded for your hard work with views at the top, but not too long so that spirits were still high when we returned to the car!! The trailhead, just off Highway 101, has lots of space. You ascend 2,000 feet in a series of deeply wooded switchbacks. We encountered several families on this trail-- fun to see YOUNG hikers. No big views while you're hiking but plenty to look at in the understory. You have TWO viewpoints at the top in which to see ALL around you! Know too that anyone can drive to the top-- after all the hiking, don't be surprised by a parking lot next to the viewing deck! Enjoy!
8 people found this report helpful
The trail -- which is short and steep -- is in excellent condition. It's been wet recently, and it drizzled my whole way up, and yet the trail wasn't muddy at all.
I was first to the trailhead (6:20 a.m.) and to the summit (7:10), and I was happily surprised to find some modest views, despite the cloud cover. I spent about 90 minutes at the top, including wandering over to the south viewpoint and waiting to see whether the views got better -- which they did just before I left, as Constance and Warrior Peaks peeked out between the clouds.
I didn't see another soul (except hungry chipmunks and camp robbers at the summit) until more than halfway down, after which I passed maybe four parties (all considerate, with, as it turns out, women 100% masked, men 0%, even within the same groups).
FYI, the privies at both the north and south viewpoints are open, although I can't speak to their condition or provisioning.
This hike made for an amazing morning! The incline was challenging at times but not so difficult that our old boxer couldn’t make his way up. I’d recommend going early in the day because you will put in work to get to the top, but it’s absolutely worth it once you’re there. The view is more than you could ask from a 2-mile hike!
The trail isn’t very wide but two people can pass. I would not recommend it for strollers or anyone who can’t climb a hill without assistance.
1 person found this report helpful
Trail is in good shape and was an easy hike. Overall the hike is a good work out and it covers roughly 2,000ft of elevation gain in about 2 miles. Most of the trail has a slope of 10-20% so it's not for the faint of heart. Trail is also very well marked and easy to follow.