As I was headed home going west on SR 20 I came across a line of stopped cars in front of me. Another man walked up to the head of the line, where we could see flashing blue lights (probably the Washington State Patrol). The man returned and said a helicopter had landed on the road. So after waiting about half an hour I decided to turn around and hike the nearby Thunder Knob trail. Of course, about the time I started hiking the trail the helicopter took off (I presume with an injured motorist, who I hope is okay).
The Thunder Knob trail is usually a very busy trail, but today there was only one other couple on the trail. At the trailhead there are lots of signs saying "Trail Bridge Has Been Removed, Unsafe River Crossing." It may be unsafe when lots of water if flowing, but I did not consider it unsafe for me on this day. (see photo) The National Park Service has to be super-cautious so novice hikers don't get into trouble.
After crossing the creek the trail switchbacks up to the top of Thunder Knob, where there are views in all directions.
On the way down I counted the number of trees that have fallen across the trail. I counted nine (9) of them, with one of them being a leaner across the trail that I recommend also be encouraged to fall down.
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