Mount Walker — Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

The trailhead to Mount Walker is easily accessible for any vehicle, just right off of US 101N. During the winter months the .25 mile road to the trailhead is barred with a gate, but just park right in front of it wherever there is adequate space and take a short walk to the trail! After a disappointing failed attempt at driving the completely frozen FR 27 road to the Mount Townsend trailhead, we settled for Mount Walker. The trail kicks your butt right from the get-go with an approximate 800 feet of gain/mile, but the trail mellows out and you soon grow accustomed to the acclivity. It is a thigh burner for sure. This time of year you will definitely need micro spikes and poles---it is a slippery ascent. Upon reaching the summit, (North Viewpoint), gaze out on the masterful Olympic range. Walk a little further on to the South Viewpoint where Mount Rainier can be seen towering amongst the peaks of the Cascade range. Here you have the option to hike back down the way you came or make your way down FR 2730. The road is 4 miles in length, nearly double the 2.25 miles you just climbed, but it is an easier descent (less steep, less icy, easier on the knees!) and it was actually quite lovely stomping through the fresh snow. Despite its length, we made it down in a mere 1 hour and 20 min at our pace. Of course, it is faster going when you have a furry friend bounding through the snow twenty feet ahead of you, encouraging you all the way down! FR 2730 pops out right at the trailhead. Easy peasy! The dirty deets: 11:30AM - 1:00PM Trailhead to Summit (North Viewpoint) 1:30PM - 2:50PM Summit (North Viewpoint) to Trailhead (using FR 2730) 6.5 miles, 3 hours total, elevation 2,804 ft.