Pack Forest - Hugo Peak — Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

TUUC Intrepids, The Bobster, Eric, and I (tatooshie) got the gate key for pack forest 1000 road, and drove the 3 mi to Kirkland Pass in this, the UW Pack forest enclave (UW experimental forest which is open to public (best on wknds)), and hiked the Trail of the Giants (1 mi or so loop through rare old growth cedar,spruce, fir, hemlock)...magnificent trees! Also wonderful lichens, liverworts,many types of ferns. No rain fell, although the wind came up. We then hiked the 3 mi loop 2000 road, peekaboo views of foothills and possibly Puget sound to east. Still some great autumn colors. Also hunters, wear bright colors! This is a great hike when you need a mud-less trail or road! Thanks, Pack Forest! Another good point is it's proximity to south sound/I5---it is just east of Meridian S. and Mtn Highway intersection.