Summer hiking season has arrived at Exit 38. I was happy to see climbers, families, and runners in the lower section of the trail. The intersection with the creek above 3,000’ has plenty of rocks to hop; poles were helpful. A few small patches of snow remained in the final 300 vertical feet and were soft and easy to cross.
The trail is nearly entirely south-facing and felt much warmer in the sun than ambient temperature. I went through more water than I had expected. Cellular service also was almost continuous (AT&T). Summit views from Pilchuck, Kulshan, and Index to the Alpental basin were spectacular.
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