My fiance and I hiked this trail with our dog and had a great time! As the description states, in the winter the road to the trailhead is gated off but you can just park on the side of the road outside of the gate and walk to the trailhead, both of which were very easy to find. The trail was snow-free for the first half and then becomes snow-packed and slick. We had our microspikes and had no problems but saw others without that were having trouble with slipping on the trail so I highly recommend if you hike this trail to have microspikes in tow. Over the two mile trek to the top there is approx 2,000ft of elevation gain, so be prepared to work your legs! It's tough but the views make it all worth it. Make sure you check out both the North and South viewpoints once you get to the top. The South Viewpoint is only an additional .5 mile and you'll get a fantastic view of Ranier and Seattle along with other great mountains! You'll also make friends with birds who will land on your hands if you hold them out :) We decided to take the trail back down because we didn't want to add 2 miles taking the road and I'm glad we did. Once again with our microspikes we didn't have any problems with traction and made it back down to the trailhead pretty quick. It is steep coming down so if you have knee issues you might want to consider taking the road which I hear is a more gradual downgrade. Beautiful hike, amazing views, perfect for a sunny winter day!

This was the first time up for my brother-in-law and me. The hike is short but fairly steep and makes for a nice, brisk workout. The trail is in great shape, but the snow, which appeared a little past the halfway point, made for slippery hiking, even with walking sticks (I resorted to using my camera tripod as a fourth point of contact). People wearing Yak Tracks and other traction devices zoomed on by us as we slipped and slid our way along. The views were outstanding. From the north viewpoint, we could see Mt. Constance, Mt. Townsend, and other peaks belonging to the Olympic Mountains. We could also see Mt. Baker, Quilcene, Quilcene Bay, and even the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden in Port Townsend and the plume from the paper mill just outside of PT. From the south viewpoint, which was about 20 degrees warmer, we could see Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Hood Canal, and downtown Seattle. Spectacular! We took the road back down. It was twice as long but half as slippery. My brother-in-law took photos, and I shot video (see below).

Many people were at the trail head this morning/afternoon. The hike up Mount Walker was good for just over a mile until we reached compact snow and ice. Microspikes are highly recommended. Going down was sketchy, so we decided to take the long way (going down via the forest services road). This added two (2) additional miles to the hike down, but much easier and safer with the snow and ice. Overall we hiked 8 miles in just under 3 hours. Absolutely beautiful views atop Mount Walker on both ends. Many dogs were on the trail--please remember if you hike with dogs to keep them on a leash at all times per trail etiquette. Happy Trails!

The trailhead to Mount Walker is easily accessible for any vehicle, just right off of US 101N. During the winter months the .25 mile road to the trailhead is barred with a gate, but just park right in front of it wherever there is adequate space and take a short walk to the trail! After a disappointing failed attempt at driving the completely frozen FR 27 road to the Mount Townsend trailhead, we settled for Mount Walker. The trail kicks your butt right from the get-go with an approximate 800 feet of gain/mile, but the trail mellows out and you soon grow accustomed to the acclivity. It is a thigh burner for sure. This time of year you will definitely need micro spikes and poles---it is a slippery ascent. Upon reaching the summit, (North Viewpoint), gaze out on the masterful Olympic range. Walk a little further on to the South Viewpoint where Mount Rainier can be seen towering amongst the peaks of the Cascade range. Here you have the option to hike back down the way you came or make your way down FR 2730. The road is 4 miles in length, nearly double the 2.25 miles you just climbed, but it is an easier descent (less steep, less icy, easier on the knees!) and it was actually quite lovely stomping through the fresh snow. Despite its length, we made it down in a mere 1 hour and 20 min at our pace. Of course, it is faster going when you have a furry friend bounding through the snow twenty feet ahead of you, encouraging you all the way down! FR 2730 pops out right at the trailhead. Easy peasy! The dirty deets: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Trailhead to Summit (North Viewpoint) 1:30PM - 2:50PM Summit (North Viewpoint) to Trailhead (using FR 2730) 6.5 miles, 3 hours total, elevation 2,804 ft.

Mrs R & friends headed up on green forest trail that half way up 2.5 mile climb became compact and icy snow. Micro spikes are best option...snow shoes also worked but not necessary. Views of Baker to north and from south view point Rainier.