We made the trip up as an after-work hike and thus didn’t even start until around 4:30pm. Took us roughly 2 hours to the top (I’m decently out of shape and they are not lying about the rapid elevation gain) and less than an hour coming down.
Most of the reviews here are going to mention the road conditions. I concur. I was driving a Hyundai Sonata and we nearly got stuck on the hairpin turn that everyone is talking about. Lots of overturned and exposed rocks, ruts, and water erosion at that turn. There are several spots on the road up that are heavily covered in potholes or have enough erosion where I would not attempt again without a higher clearance vehicle. Right before the pavement ends (around the water treatment facility) there are orange cones with parking warnings on them. I guess they’re to keep people from blocking the road?
The actual hike is gorgeous. For the in-shape hiker, it’s definitely a very quick elevation gain, but not unreasonable for a day hike. The reward is a pretty short round-trip distance with stunning views at the summit. There’s also a little surprise at the summit if you’re observant enough.
Bugs were not terrible, but we put on DEET anyway as the mosquitoes were definitely out! The trail is muddy in places near reaching the tree line and there are a few blow-downs with one noticeably large tree you have to duck under. Other than that, the trail is in excellent condition. Great hike for any time of day—I just wouldn’t recommend being anywhere on that forest road after/near dark and would strongly advise a high clearance vehicle, especially if snow is present on the roadway.
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