I thought this would be a good, short hike to break in/test out my new Scarpa boots ahead of winter season. (So far, so good.)

intermittent snow starts about halfway up, and the trail has a light covering of snow/slush by about the last 1/3. I didn’t bother with spikes on the way up and was fine, but seeing a few folks struggling not to slip on their way down, I did put them on for the return trip and was glad I did. 

Although there were lots of cars at the trailhead by the time I got my afternoon start, I didn’t see many people. I suppose most encountered the conditions and opted to take the road down?

First snow of the season on Walker today (11-2-22), rain below 2,000 feet and light snow above that elevation, about 4 inches on the ground at the summit.  A winter wonderland.  Poles or traction aids not needed. The road is gated now at highway 101 but there is room for 20 or so cars there.   Foggy at the summit alas but the views on a clear day in winter are marvelous and worth the effort.  

We started at 8am and weather conditions were cool but not freezing. As steep as the trail was, it seemed like it was completely cleared of all loose rocks, leaves, and branches with pot holes filled and ground down by workers just before we started.

As a WTA volunteer, I appreciated how perfect trail conditions were.

The views on both the North and South were somewhat obstructed by low clouds but still spectacular. It does have vehicle access. 

Took a short trip up to Mount Walker - at 8am, I was the only car at the trailhead on a sunny Weds. morning. I ended up seeing one car when I was between the north and south viewpoints and only one other hiker coming up as I was on my way down. The trail is in pristine condition, and it was a super fun hike up and get amazing views (though the trail is pretty unrelenting for that 2000' elevation gain!). It did start to get hot on the way down during this heat wave, but at least before I was done at about 10am, it was still very manageable.

Got to the trailhead by 7:30 am. The second car in the parking lot. Didn't see anyone on the way up. Only a few wild Rhody still blooming. There are few other wildflowers along the trail. Trail in great shape with just a couple blowdown. It was steep - a good workout going up and fun jogging down.

Met a couple from Oregon by the North viewpoint. They drove up the forest road. I told them that they were cheating. 😀 Partial view from North viewpoint (second picture). It all covered with cloud 15 minutes later.

A post indicated an old fire lookout on Mt. Walker. It was destroyed by the Forest Serviced. I could not locate where it was.

Walked 0.6 mile to the South viewpoint. A clean outhouse with plenty toilet papers. Not much view on there - all covered by clouds. Met few people coming up as I walked down.

AllTrails indicated 5 miles with 2129 feet elevation gain.