We got to the trailhead at 9:30 and parking was wide open. Trail was clear with minimal mud but the boardwalks did get slippery when it started raining. The kids did great and enjoyed searching for mushrooms. The best part by far was when we ran into another hiker training his pack goats. They were so friendly, letting us pet them and climbing in the kids laps.

Parking was a little difficult to find however, once I found parking it was great hike.  My 2 year old German Shepherd loved the trail and she truly enjoyed the trail. Even though it was foggy and a nice cool 35 degrees, the tail was great.  I will definitely do this hike in the spring when everything is in full bloom. 

Trail was good and easy. A few lose rocks. Not many people. We saw two other hikers with friendly dogs. A few nice views and a nice easy hike and a grassy area for a picnic lunch.

WARNING TO DOG OWNERS. Ticks are very active. Probably in grassy area at top. Our St Bernard picked up more than 4. We found 1 small one (mosquito size) the next day, but 3 got through the fur near eyes and belly. Also check between pads.    Nice hike. We went up the trail, came down the road to make a loop.

As snow still lingers and might for sometime, we made a nice day out of hiking Hugo Peak and Windy Ridge at the UW Pack Forest in Eatonville.

Fee free easy parking is a bit limited at the trailhead on Hwy 7. If you need a restroom the town of Eatonville has a nice one at its visitor center.

The elevation gain is about 1700' over the 7.5 miles we hiked. We hoped to see Rainier in the distance but it was covered in a shroud of clouds.

Wildflowers are showy at the lower portion of the hike with a pretty boardwalk to keep your feet dry.

When you get to Hugo Peak head So to the 2000 Rd at Kirkland Pass. You can loop around and find the Windy Ridge Trail that will give you a bit of a shortcut to the Rainier viewpoint.

Taking your dog on a leash is okay or head over the Mashel Falls on the North side of the forest.