Mount Jupiter — Saturday, Sep. 6, 2014

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

They're still logging, so I understand they want hikers to go on the weekends only. The gate is still closed, which adds an extra 3 miles (about an hour) each way. Altogether, at a leisurely pace with breaks, it took us exactly 12 hours from the gate to the summit and back to the gate. The day was hot and sunny. 3 liters of water each was about right, as there's no water available on the trail. The trees that were across the road last year are now mostly gone. Yay! Thanks WTA volunteers!! There's still a lot of underbrush encroaching on the trail. However, we were never in any real danger of losing the trail, despite the generous number of switchbacks. Much of the early part of the hike is across clear cuts. Not a pretty sight. However, the views are grand, especially at the top. Note: the trailhead is just after a crane that's been sitting there unused for at least a year. Instead of following the main road up at that point, go straight and you'll immediately see the trailhead on the right. There's so pen or pencil there to sign in, so please bring one to donate so they can see the trail is being used.