The forecast was for 100% chance of rain and a gusher of a day. We came prepared and left happily dry.

Although our views of Mt. Rainier were obscured, the valleys and foothills around Eatonville were simply a lovely view today.

Early wildflowers trillium, violets, flowering currant, salmon berry and fungi that were fun to try to identify made for a grand day at Pack Forest. Fresh clean air and relatively warmer temps of spring are right around the corner.

PARKING: We parked at the gatehouse on Hwy 7 where there is enough room to pull out for 5 vehicles.

PASS: No pass is required.

RESTROOM: One port-a-potty at the conference center.

TRAIL: The trail was in great shape all the way to Hugo Peak, along 2000 Rd and Windy Ridge. 

HAZARDS: None

7.5 miles RT, 1700' elevation gain 

The parking lot might LOOK crowded, but most hikers go to Hugo Peak, for no really good reason, as there is nothing to see anymore since the trees have grown up.  

Instead, hike the roads (closed to vehicles).  Road 1000 makes a 5 mile loop.  At its apex at Kirkland Pass, Road 2000 makes a 3 mile loop from there, culminating with a fabulous view of Mt. Rainier.  Combined, this gives you a nice 8 mile figure-8 hike, or 9 miles if you start at the lower parking lot like I did.  Approx. 1200' gain.  If you just want the shortest way to the dynamite view, go right on Road 1000, then left on Road 2000.  

The route is in perfect condition, no obstacles.

We hiked in the Pack Forest south of Eatonville today, what a great day to be out in nature it was clear blue skies when we started at 10:12 from the trailhead near the U of W Pack Forest Camp Buildings up to Hugo Peak. The entire trail is saturated soil but mostly well drained, except the advanced horse trail that was steep and muddy. Our 6.8 mile Figure 8 loop route followed the Hugo Peak Trail, right on FSR 2000, right on the Trail of Giants, right on Windy Ridge trail, right on FSR 2070, right (back onto) FSR 2000 back to the intersection with Hugo Peak Trail. Hugo Peak is anti climatic, a large clearing in a tall stand of trees. From there we took a right on the Advanced Horse Trail that wound down the north side of Pack Forest back to the U of W forestry camp buildings. There was evidence of mt bikes using this route by only one pile of horse droppings.

  We had high hopes for seeing Mt Rainier from our lunch spot on the Windy Ridge Trail as she was out in all her glory on the drive south this morning near Eatonville. No such luck as late morning clouds started forming blocking out the eastern skyline except lower foothills. Trail traffic was almost nonexistent, we saw 2 other people the entire day, one was a lady walking a small horse on a lead. Wildlife was limited to a soaring Hawk, bush tits flitting in the shrubs near our lunch / rest break and vulture squawking in the woods. We drove off at 2:50 after another day out in nature.

The trails to the falls are muddy and slick. They might freeze with the coming cold weather. On the way down we took the 1000 road to the west trailhead and the Weyerhaeuser road. The roads are a handy option when the trails are slippery.

We got there around 8:30 with a couple other cars at the trailhead. The trail was in great shape, with very minimal mud for December. This is a great one for kiddos…it isn’t a flat hike but not so steep that they can’t do it on their own.