Notch Pass — Tuesday, May. 18, 2021

I missed the lot for the lower trailhead by a mile+. I got to the junction with Road 16 before I said "I have to be too far, I need to turn around." Follow those coordinates religiously. Speaking of the road, I made it in a family sedan, but I bottomed out 3 times. You won't need a lifted pickup, but something like an Outback will do well. There are some massive holes.

The trail itself was fine. Not too steep, but with enough of an incline to where you feel you're getting a good workout, running water every so often. It's well-maintained.

I saw a banana slug; I named him Wilbur.

After I got to Road 100, the downhill started. Watch out for a bit of loose rock right as you cross the road. The descent is about the same grade as the ascent, and you're treated to much of the same old-growth scenery, but you now have the energy and breath to enjoy it. When you get to Road 27, turn right and walk just a bit; you should see a post with a laminated sheet, which indicates the resumption of the trail. Continue descending for a while, and listen to the sound of running water.

After a bit, I came across Mosquito Rock and Allen Creek. I assume the former is named for mosquitoes that probably come out later in the season (there were none). I sat here for a bit, but I didn't need to, because the trail is almost over by this point. You have a very brief extra uphill, then a final descent to the junction with the Big Quilcene Trail. I ate lunch on the bridge slightly to the left of the junction, then headed back the way I came.

The ascent back up to Road 100 was a bit harder than the initial ascent, likely because my legs were a bit tired. Eventually, you get there, and begin the descent back to the car.

On the way, there were a couple of loud cracks, which I assume were shots ringing out. I remember having driven past a small pull-off of Road 10 with a whole bunch of shotgun shells; it was likely from there.

And then, I saw them. 30 or so. A cornucopia (yes, that is the actual term) of banana slugs, and presumably, Wilbur was one of them, because I found them in the same place. I'm glad he found his kind.

Solid hike, good on rainy days like today.