What an incredible hike this was. Typically I try to find hikes that are challenging and that are over 7 miles round trip. I had seen this hike pop up from time to time and its sounded okay. I read the last trip report and said that sounds like fun. It turned out to be a decent workout after all. The road has a few of the larger potholes, which are better then the small ones. There are two dips where water crosses that need the most care. There are some larger round rocks in the road in the traffic pattern. Just take your time if you have a car and you will be fine. A jetta made it so almost anything can.
This hike is full of large rocks and roots galore. Kind of like a mine Mailbox Peak to some degree. Did I mention there are roots?? Plenty or them. There are some really cool rock formations for climbing as well as the streams running over live rock formations that you might not see elsewhere. The hike is a little bit of a work out despite its short length of 6 miles RT. After about 1.6 miles you lose the trail and go onto snowfields. There is no trail to find again. We did use All Trails to help guide us to the pass. I actually just went straight up and kept to the right of the peak straight ahead and we slowly traversed to the right towards the pass. There are tree holes, trees ready to spring up on you as well as some water obstructions that are covered. Just go slow and pay attention and you will reach the pass. Excellent 360 views at the tops or peaks you dont get to see like this, The different peaks is worth the trip as we are all used to Pilchuck and Dickerman views. We just used poles and boots. My feet actually were dry until going down as I didnt put on gaters but otherwise any water crossing, mud holes or water crossings were simple and easy if you just take your time and watch your step.
We left the parking lot around 10:45. Made the pass at 1:05 headed down around 1:30 and were back to the lot at 3:20. I think this was an awesome hike and this is a great time of the year for this hike. There was a small window of mosquitoes after the larger water crossing but I didnt use bug spray and did fine. I did skip the sun block as I usually do pretty well but do be careful on the snow. The hike today would get 4.5 stars out of 5 with the snow. I might drop it a half a star when the snow is gone. Great hike that is away from others and its a path less traveled. I look forward to the one way option as well.
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