Went up and down the main trail, with a little detour to the south viewpoint once at the top. The trail is in good condition, with no snow. Saw trillium, violets, and lady slippers, but rhododendrons still have yet to bloom!

Beautiful hike today. Trail was in great condition. We hiked up the the main trail and came down the fire road. The fire road had a few downed trees, but they were easy to step over. The mileage on my Garmin showed approx. 7.5 miles round trip from the gate by the parking area.

After working all day in the yard I decided to take a quick hike up MT Walker. Left the trailhead at 4:30pm. Currently the road to the top is closed for the season so one must park on the road before the gate at Highway 101. I had always driven up to the top and I knew the trail existed but I had never hiked it. It's 2 miles long so it should be not problem right? Sign at the trail head said it goes up 2000ft in 2 mi. Maybe not so easy. To make a long story short this trail is one of the most unrelenting up hill climbs. Out of the 2 miles there is about 50 yards of level trail. Because it is near highway 101 I thought the trail would not offer much solitude. Was I wrong. The forest on the trail is a very beautiful open forest with many rhododendrons and Oregon Lasalle. One can see quite far through the forest. It is similar to an old growth forest without old growth trees. (trees are about 100 yrs old according to USFS signs). The view from the top is fantastic. You are right above the Hood Canal so there are no obstructions such as mountains in the way. Two different viewpoints offer distinctly different views one North one South. Trail terminates at the North viewpoint. Yes you just finished a grueling 2000 ft climb but take the nice level walk to the south viewpoint for a different vista. From the south viewpoint you can see Seattle over the Toandos and Kitsap peninsulas (unless it is a typical western Washington cloud day). If one went up one must go down. Want to find out if your boots fit and if your toes jam in the front of them? Well the return trip will reveal that to you. Going down is quicker than going up but it will let you know that you have leg mussels you don't usually employ. Trail is in great shape save for 3 blowdowns over the trail which are easy to navigate. (see pictures) In all is was a great hike which I will do again in the future. Say hi when you see me on the trail. Blazen

I loved this hike! It took much more effort than I had anticipated. For the easier hike, follow the road. It adds .5mi to the trip but is more gradual. Taking the trail up I had to take a few breaks, and I'm in pretty good shape. To preserve your knees I'd recommend taking the trail up and the road down. The view is spectacular and worth the hike. They have picnic tables us at the top so bringing a lunch would be fun.