Got up early on a Saturday morning to beat traffic and crowds on the trail. Google Maps gave good directions to the trailhead. Road was rough with a few really deep potholes, best to avoid or slow way down.
Arrived at the trailhead at 7:30 AM. First car at the pullout. Trail is obvious to the right side of the road and well-signed. Fairly rocky and steep for the first third or so. I keep reading that thru-hikers prefer trail runners due to the weight savings, so I tried mine for this short hike. I have decided that boots with stiffer soles are more my style.
Flattened out a bit with softer ground underneath after that. Well-shaded with good tree cover the majority of the way up. A few side trails to modest views through the trees looking north. Counted 3 downed trees to navigate around - 2 over and 1 under.
Last little bit of the trail was steep. I used poles, otherwise would have probably used hands. Not scary exposure but definitely some soft/loose dirt which was a bit more treacherous on the way down.
Reached the summit at 8:20 AM and enjoyed the solitude for about 30 minutes. Nice breeze and only a few bugs. Gorgeous views of Keechelus Lake to the east and Mt. Rainier to the south.
Saw three groups of 2-3 hikers each on their way up as I made my way back down. Pullout was full when I got back down at 9:40 AM. Gaia GPS read 3.6 miles, included the little trips off on side trails.
Before departing, hiked an extra 0.25 miles up to Windy Pass, where the Forest Service road intersects the Pacific Crest Trail. North all the way to Canada or South all the way to Mexico if you've got the legs and the logistics. Have done a small portion of it, passing through this spot going south from Snoqualmie Pass, a long time ago. Perhaps again some day...
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