Did a quick training hike up Mt. Walker this morning so thought would share some pics. Beautiful morning. Gate closed at Hwy 101, so parked there and walked to the trailhead (~.3 Miles). Encountered packed snow and ice the last 1/2 mile to the peak, but did not need my micro spikes (it was worse going down...had to be a little cautious). Estimate temp at the top was ~25 degrees, with a slight north wind, so it was a bit nippy (and the snow was pretty crunchy!). Had 3 layers for hike up, and added a jacket at the top for the way down. Also had lower long underwear, ski gloves, balaclava, and an orange beanie in case any hunters were around!!! Beautiful day and views. Started at trailhead at 8:30 am (~10 cars at gate) and got back down at 11:15 am (~25 cars at gate and along hwy 101).

This was a great day hike! I completed it in under 2.5 hours at a medium pace: 1.25hrs up, 30 mins break up top, about 45mins down. It was pretty consistently steep but there weren't many other hikers, especially for a Saturday. I started around 1:30pm and finished around 4pm and I was the last one on the mountain. There were about 6 hikers that I saw coming down, including a young kid. 

I parked right by the main road next to some other cars and climbed the extra 0.3 miles to the trailhead. Not bad at all! There was some beautiful fog that I passed through and at the top a couple curious birds. Friendly enough to land on your hand if you fold it out. 

Awesome December hike if you're looking for something that's snow-free!

Gate closed.  0.3 mile walk to the trailhead is a good warm up.  Trail is in great condition with no snow.  Great views from the top.

Road is closed at 101, but the trailhead's only a few minutes extra walk, and the trail is clear the whole way.  This is not an easy hike, but worth it for the views in a relatively short hike.  To ease the burden on our knees, and knowing it was closed to vehicles, we took the road down.