Hex Mountain — Sunday, Jun. 21, 2020

Hiked 6/21/20.

Distance: 7.7 miles (Gaia)

Ascent: 2550' (Gaia)

4 hrs round trip including 20 minute lunch at top

Arrived at the TH around 11:00 am. The TH head is a bit confusing since it is unmarked. You turn off Salmon La Sac road and go up the forest road about 150' to a gate and that's the TH. Park along the Forest Road. When I arrived, there were probably 10 cars - 80% of the FR was taken. No issue parking.

The first 2 miles of the hike are up the FR. Very wide and well graded (see Pic 4). Easy to hike and social distance on. There are a bunch of other FR turnoffs, but as others have said, there are arrows made out of sticks and rocks indicating the correct path. If you have a GPS you'll be set. I also had phone reception most of the way up and down (AT&T). Heck, my buddy in NYC even FaceTimed me on my way down and I was able to respond with video... much to his surprise. The last 1.8 miles to the top are on a hiking trail. The turnoff is marked with sticks/rocks and a sign, but if these were missing it might be easy to pass. This trail goes straight up the ridgeline, no switch backs. Pretty good haul straight up. However, this trail is in very good shape (see Pic 3). Wildflowers galore. The dirt is very dry so can be a bit loose when descending down the steeper sections. After the junction with the Sasse Mountain Trail, you turn right and the trail flattens out. Here there is a very impressive juxtaposition between the green Spring growth and the burnt trees (Pic 2). A large portion of the trees on this hike are burned out. I had the top to myself for about 20 minutes. No one in sight. Beautiful 360 deg views. Unfortunately both Rainier and Glacier Peak were hiding. Stuart was out and proud though (Pic 1). Had lunch and saw some people coming up the other trail (Trail 1348.1) so decided to head out. Just in time too. 3 dirt bikes roared up 1348.1 just as I left the summit. Also saw 3 other dirt bikes on the FR when I was just starting out the hike. They are so loud and destructive, real shame to see so much trail and vegetation damage along this trail clearly caused by dirt bikes. I'm sure they are a blast to ride though. Hike down was uneventful.

COVID-19 Info:

I saw probably about 20 people on this hike between 7-8 groups. Everyone was good about trying to social distance, however only 2 other people had masks with them. Bummer, but what can you do. People are gonna be selfish because wearing a 1 oz piece of fabric that they only have to put on when passing someone else is too much of an inconvenience to them.