Headed over to Pack Forest to get a nice shot of Rainier on this crisp day. There were 7 cars in the lower 2 lots when we arrived. We drove up to the upper lot near the Conference Center. There were about a dozen cars there. The Honey Bucket was open and stocked, but getting full. More cars arrived as we geared up.

We knew Hugo Peak was a bust as far as views go, so we wanted to get out to the viewpoint we made it to last June with very cloudy skies. We headed up the road and onto the Horse Trail, which seemed a bit more direct than the Hugo Peak Trail. The trail was frozen most of the way up, with just a couple of partially thawed sections. We were allotted views of the Olympics and even the tip of Baker. The climb was good for warming up, though I never got away from gloves and a beanie. Made it to the Hugo trail and continued down road 1080 to the Trail of the Giants, where there are old growth tree which survived an 1800 fire. Continued onto Windy Ridge past the weather station and just a bit up Road 2000 to our spot. Caught the tip of Adams too, so 3 volcanoes today. On the way back, we took a short inconspicuous trail up to a memorial. The picture below gives the explanation.

Headed back down. 5.9 miles and we saw exactly 1 person on all the trails today. Don't know where everyone was, but it was a lovely day to be out.

Trail is in great condition. Thanks to whomever cleaned it up after the big storm. Still a few trees down across the trail from the peak to the Eatonville viewpoint, but easily straddled.

We had a great hike up to Hugo Peak, down the Reservoir Trail, over to the Little Mashel Falls and back on the Bud Blanchard trail. Total was about 8 miles.
There were quite a few trees down on the Reservoir Trail. Huge shout-out to Tom and Randy who were volunteering were cutting them out of the way. Much appreciated! The reservoir trail went through an old growth stand of the forest and was absolutely beautiful.
The trail by the waterfalls was muddy, but not terrible. The Middle and Lower falls were especially impressive.

Trail was well maintained and the waterfalls are roaring! Great time to go see. It does get pretty muddy down by the falls. Pretty easy hike and high reward.

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. 

HAZARDS: The boardwalks are a bit slippery but pretty great to keep your feet dry and out of the muddy spots. There were a few downed trees after the windstorm Monday but they were easy to get around.

When you get to Hugo Peak head So to the 2000 Rd at Kirkland Pass. You can loop around counter clockwise 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.

7.5 miles, 1700' gain total with summiting Hugo and Peak 2050