It seems that there are lots of options for starting this hike at various levels up the mountain (parking space permitting). We started at the trailhead labeled on Google Maps (48.4603963, -122.6251053) and found space for about 6 vehicles or so and adequate signage with a nice map of the extensive trail system.
We hiked east along the Pacific NW Trail/Trail 26 for about 300 yards before turning right onto Trail 216 at the first sign (turn left on Trail 207 to get to Whistle Lake). The subsequent 500 ft vertical gain to the summit over 6/10ths of a mile was easy enough for my 4y and 5y nephews. The rocky sections provided enough adventure. No overgrowth on the trail--thank you to whomever weed-whacked recently! Banana slugs, mushrooms, Juncos, scattered thimbleberries.
Summit viewpoints were popular for a Tuesday evening, but not overly crowded. At least one portable toilet at the top. Ambled down the road back to the car in order to stop by the western viewpoint for sunset shots.
2mi roundtrip.
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