The Mission Ridge trail to the Alpine Lookout is a bastion of serenity compared to the circus surrounding Lakes Colchuck and Stuart. During my 5.5 hours on the trail, I only saw two couples, one family, and a good hiking dog. Fortunately, there were no motorbikes on the trail today.
TRAIL: The trail is in good shape and the use by motorbikes keeps the logs and brush away from the trail. There is one section near the end that is pretty steep and rocky, but not too bad. There are a few sun-exposed sections of the trail, but 70% of it is in the shade.
Note 1: the trail description is correct: you start climbing as soon as you leave the TH -- be mentally prepared for that! Trekking poles could help with the steep hills and the rocky section. Note 2: the lookout is further along the ridge than expected. There were a couple of times the ridge dipped down, and I thought for sure I had missed the turnoff, but -- nope! -- keep going. There is a good FS trail sign indicating the 'offramp' up the hill to the lookout.
Speaking of the lookout, it is in great shape, but closed and locked. There also appears to be a helicopter pad on top of the summit crest (see photo).
FAUNA: Many many birds on this trail, probably due to the lack of people. If you keep you voices quiet, I am sure you will see some too. No bugs other than crickets jumping through the fields.
ROAD and PARKING: the road to the TH is fine. I averaged about 15mph both up and down. No big potholes, but several rocks on the road you will want to miss/straddle. An old pit toilet and picnic table provide a meeting spot at the TH.
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