1 person found this report helpful
We arrived at the trailhead around 8:45 am and there were about five other cars already there. The signage is poor off of Highway 101 so we actually missed the turnoff and had to turn around. Cell service is also spotty out there.
This trail was in good condition, although steeper than we had anticipated in some sections. It is a steady incline all the way up. We didn't see any snow until about the last mile and even then, it wasn't really covering the trail.
Even with some heavy clouds, we got a good view from the north viewpoint. The one other person at the top told us about an alternative viewpoint (south) that was an additional half mile walk, but flat. We enjoyed the view for a few minutes from the south point, saw several grey jays before heading back down. We were back at our car by about 12:30 pm.
9 people found this report helpful
It must be spring ... we heard frogs for the 1st time this year. Trail, as usual, in very good condition with no mud and minimal erosion. We slightly improved some of the water bars - at least as much as is possible w/ the side of boots. Rhodies swelling nicely getting ready for the May/June show.
Late start and 12+ cars at the parking lot. Hit the trail by about 11:30. A little lifting fog and clear views at the top. Fog lifted into the view at the N viewpoint, but not before we enjoyed the snowy mtns to the W. South viewpoint a little less clear, but sunny above the breaking fog for peeps at Hood canal, etc.
Your markers that you're almost there: the 1st great boulder/rest/snack stop is at about 2050', 755' from the top, about 1.25 miles up. 2nd boulder is about 2230', just 1/2 mile from the top.
About 1.5 hrs up, 1.3 hrs down, only 6 cars left in the lot when we got there.
It really is remarkable how steep some sections seem coming down, "we came up that?!"
All around a great day, following by Indian dinner in Bremerton on the way home.
3 people found this report helpful
Took advantage of the sun today to do a short hike up Mount Walker. I arrived at the trailhead about 8:30 a.m. and there were 3 other cars. The access road to the South viewpoint is closed for the season so is an option for hiking. I took the trail up to the North viewpoint, then followed the roadway to the South viewpoint. The uphill climb is about 2 miles and gains 2000 ft which was pretty steep for me but probably not bad at all for a more experienced hiker.
The sun today made for gorgeous scenery at both spots. Great view of the Olympics and Mount Baker at the North, Puget Sound and a distant Mount Rainer at the South. Vault toilets are available at both viewpoints and are in reasonably good shape.
I opted to take the roadway down for a slightly gentler grade to save my knees. This option adds 2 miles to the return trip and I found it a bit monatenous but there were some nice views along the way. Just a note, there was very recent logging to the side of the road so use caution since there may be heavy machinery on the road this time of year. There was also evidence of a fairly recent mudslide.
Trail was in great condition, no snow or mud at all. There was one blowdown blocking the road about a mile downhill from the summit but easy to go under. I used poles on the way up to help with the climb but didn't need them at all coming down the road. They would likely be helpful if you choose to come down the steep trail instead. I saw about 10 other people but was alone at both summits and most of the day. Seemed like most people opted to take the roadway up and return on the trail.
6 miles total, took me about 4 hours with a stop for lunch at the summit and a slow climb up.
3 people found this report helpful
Gate closed as is expected this time of year. Plenty of space for parking outside of the gate. The trail up is in perfect condition. No microspikes required, snow at the top is minimal. Took 1 hour 8 minutes up with 30 lbs. We took the road down for some variety and since the gentler grade would be easier on the knees, according to GAIA it was about 4.25 miles from the summit back to the car using the road. Multiple blowdowns over the road some of which were quite large and required scrambling awkwardly through some pine branches.
Great conditioner for a beautiful Sunday.