Approach conditions: The gravel road to Pilchuck is in much better condition than most gravel roads in the PNW, and having some pavement closer to the trailhead than below was a switch. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. The toilet had TP when we arrived, but it was completely empty and pretty gross when we returned. Definitely in need of some TLC.
We arrived on a Sunday at 8:15 a.m. and the lot was maybe 1/3 full. But 8:30 seems to be a popular starting time, as it felt like there were plenty of people even for a heat advisory weekend in August. Check air quality ahead of time; mid-yellow range meant pollutants in the air (smoke? Couldn’t smell it but there was definitely something, perhaps from the Olympia fire or others starting to crop up in the PNW) making visibility not super great, although we could spot Baker, Sahale, Shuksan, and Adams. This is definitely a mountain to visit when air quality and visibility are good.
Canine companions: My family and I took my dog and met two friends for an 8:30 start and boy, were we ever glad for that extra half hour of cooler conditions (original plan was 9 a.m.) There is little in the way of running water, but my dog found the 3-4 places where there was a trickle to supplement the water we brought. I was surprised at the number of dogs doing this hike; we stopped at the boulder field leading to the lookout tower as my 45-pound dog is too heavy to hoist up and he doesn’t do ladders that well. I was worried about my 10-year-old Labraheeler but he did fantastic and last summer’s limp never showed up this year.
Route: It’s been over 15 years since I’ve been up Pilchuck – in the snow, no less -- and the trail repairs – wide ladders and rock stairs – have really helped. I’d forgotten the one route-finding issue I call “thread the needle” up high when you run into a boulder field that seems to peter out – look right for the slab-on-end and clamber over to regain the forested trail. I paused there in the shade to wait for my husband and daughter so they could find the way more readily.
Critter report: 13 bird species including a ton of Vaux’s swifts, a few picas, and at least a dozen dogs.
My daughter used the word “miserable” with me several times, particularly where I caught her falling back toward me at one steep part but I guess I overcorrected – she thought I pushed HER –which led to a particularly long break so she could regain her composure.
Fortunately, she was able to enjoy the lookout tower and over an hour at the summit with a frozen candy bar – a refreshing way to enjoy a treat that often melts into mush that's hard to eat – and she was first of our 6 back to the cars. I was glad to hear that the hike had some redeeming qualities in her mind.
A challenging, beautiful, view-filled hike. The rocky terrain requires diligence and exposure in the heat requires extra water and patience with your party members. Get an early start or go when there is no heat advisory in effect.
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