Mount Jupiter — Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2020

Mount Jupiter has gotten a bit of a bad reputation because of the recent logging and the presence of a locked gate down low that makes it an awfully long day hike, but I enjoyed a wonderful short overnighter trip up there, and want to ensure others that it's a very worthwhile trip, especially if you want some great views without any crowds.

After turning off Highway 101 on the Mount Jupiter Road just a bit south of Brinnon, drive up the gravel road (ok for most any vehicle) for about 3 miles before reaching the big orange gate, elevation about 1200 feet. From here it's nearly 10 miles to the top, the first 3 or so are on logging roads. What I recommend is to take a mountain bike. The first 2.5 miles of road, up to the traditional (lower) trailhead, is at a fairly comfortable grade and can be ridden most of the way (for me, 58 y.o.) without having to push up many aggressively steep portions.

At the road switchback 2.5 miles up from the gate, elevation 2050 feet, you can find the traditional trailhead a bit to the west, complete with a battered old signboard. You're in a huge clear cut area here. I opted to continue up the road, pushing the bike as it became steeper, and went another mile or so up to an intersection of four roads in a level area at about 2800 feet. You can reconnect with the trail as it passes just below the roads here. I arrived here near sunset time, 2 hours after starting from the gate, and found a nice flat spot to camp on with a great view overlooking Hood Canal and across to Puget Sound and the Cascades. Yeah, you're in a big logged area, but it's still beautiful.

I set out in the morning, quickly connected to the trail, leaving the bike behind at my camp. The trail continues through the clear cut for only a few more minutes, then enters forest and eventually wilderness area. The trail is in relatively good condition, very few obstacles, and I actually made very good time on the way up until it got a little steeper the last couple of miles. 

The critical thing about this hike, as most people mention, is that it is a long, dry trail, and has quite a few sun-exposed sections. TAKE MORE WATER THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED. Actually, fall is a good time to do this hike. A hot mid-summer day would not be the time to go.

The top is spacious and even has a couple of potential bivy spots. Views are exceptional-- the five Cascade volcanoes can be seen if the air is clean, The Brothers and Mount Constance are nearby, Puget Sound City is laid out below, and many summits in the Olympics and Cascades can be picked out. 

I saw no other people during the entire 20 mile round trip.