Great trail. Relentless ascent. Arrived at the trail at 11am to beautiful, crispy and slightly windy fall weather and parking lot was 1/3 full. When returning to trailhead at 2:30pm there were cars everywhere. Lots of people on trail yet big enough for everyone.
It’s a nice loop and once past the initial steep push past trailhead, I decided to take ‘more difficult’ designated route. A real thigh burner and heart thumper. Once at the point where you can decide to leave the loop and ascend up to summit (1 mile to top) I chose to go for it. It became too steep for my liking, however, and too crowded on such a steep terrain. I returned to the loop and descended down the less difficult side which was a real nice pace and with beautiful fall sun and foliage still hanging on.
Also had a nice leisurely lunch on the false summit before heading down, and great conversation with a few other hikers. Shout out to the fierce trail runners and couple of guys with babies / toddlers on their packs while making the way to summit. Just wow!
Also a big shout out to the Mohammed from Portland with whom I enjoyed hiking the initial ascent. Wish we could have enjoyed the false summit lookout. Keep up your love for hiking and stay outside!
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