Mount Pilchuck — Thursday, Jun. 11, 2015

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Great, sunny day for this hike. Just a few random thoughts, as you can find plenty of detailed trail descriptions elsewhere: 1. The road has some MASSIVE potholes, mostly in the beginning/middle sections (gets better at the top). You could easily bottom-out a low-clearance vehicle if you're not cautious. Also, the shoulder of the road has washed out dangerously in one small spot - you will 100% get stuck if you fall of the edge. Keep an eye out. 2. This trail is quite popular, but apparently isn't very busy on weekdays. I started at around 11:00 a.m., and I maybe passed 4 groups on the way up, and maybe 10 on the way down. I was mostly on my own, though, besides at the top. 3. I was actually a tiny bit disappointed by this trail. I was expecting it to become a favorite, based on other reports... but the first half is actually a fairly ho-hum forest hike, with only occasional views of pretty nearby mountains. Once you get out of the woods, it is much more picturesque, with lots of tiny wildflowers, dark evergreens and massive boulder fields. And the view from the top is of course nice as well. But I don't think I'll do this one again, personally. 4. The drive does take 1.5 to 2 hours from Seattle area. I thought it would be shorter based on Google maps, but the final 7 miles or so is very slow going over that potholed dirt road. 5. Like some others have said, this probably isn't an ideal hike for dogs. SO many rocks on the trail, plus you can't bring your dog up to the lookout (unless you carry them!) 6. Remember, you need a NW Forest Pass to park here. You can now get day passes online, which is awesome. 7. I know this will make me sound like an old man, but please don't throw your peach pits, banana or orange peels, etc. all over near the trail. I know that stuff is biodegradable, but if everybody does it, we'll soon have a trail that looks like a compost pile, haha. Especially a really popular trail like this. Pack it out! 8. Be sure to wear actual hiking boots on this trail - sooo many ankle-breaker rocks on the trail nearly the entire time. Overall, a great day on the trail.