Not a lot of views today, but a lot of fun (and soreness) carrying the big training pack 😄
THE ROAD / PARKING
I got to the parking lot shortly after 8. The lot was approaching full, but there were still several spaces available.
The bathrooms seemed relatively clean and had plenty of toilet paper.
When I got back to the trailhead around 11:45, the lot was totally full, with cars parked along the side of the road into the lot, and then a few dozen cars parked on the main road leading up to it.
THE TRAIL
The trail is in great shape. There was one tiny muddy spot (that isn't bad and also easily avoidable) that I'll include a photo of, but the trail is practically perfect.
Lots of wildflowers blooming and salmonberries about.
TIMELINE
8:10 — Parked at trailhead
8:15 — Left trailhead
9:10 — Reached Stan's Overlook
10:10 — Reached Grand Prospect
10:15 — Left Grand Prospect
11:05 — Returned to Stan's Overlook
11:45 — Returned to trailhead
MISC.
My ascent was very quiet — I only saw a few hikers/mountain bikers near Stan's Overlook, and then some folks near Grand Prospect as I approached. I encountered significantly more hikers (and many trail runners!) on my way down who were heading up.
I only stayed at Grand Prospect for a few minutes because I hiked into a cloud so it was rainy and cold — just long enough to catch my breath carrying the heavy pack before heading down. I did get the viewpoint to myself though 😊
I've been here twice now and it is still one of my favorite forest hikes. I love the overall consistent mostly-mild grade. It's a great conditioning hike for me as I get used to my new pack!
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