Pack Forest - Hugo Peak — Tuesday, Apr. 24, 2012

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

A shortish hike in an area I had not been before, Pack Forest offers a number of walking/hiking opportunities while the high country and most moderately high trails (above 2500 feet) are snow bound. The gate to the experimental/teaching forest was open but we parked in an area just beyond the gate and walked up to the main administration/teaching area and then took road 1000 to the right to the Hugo Peak trail. The road was open to vehicles but we only saw one car, a van, at Kirkland Pass. The Hugo Peak trail is moderately steep with a fair number of steps but the best way to experience the forest. Some sections of the trail appeared to be in regrowth while others were mature forest. There are limited views from Hugo Peak but some nice benches on which to sit and have lunch. Bring bug juice for this hike, mosquitos and small flies were in abundance at Hugo Peak and on Road 1000 back down to the vehicles. Tom shared his bug juice with a number of us and some mountain bikers we met on the way back down. The weather we had was great, cloudy, cool but no rain. Tom suggested dinner at the Copper Creek Inn, a great choice with excellent food (I had the beef stew) and friendly staff. This was a great way to end our day of walking.