Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek — Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019

This is what I would describe as a steep hike.  It's pretty much all uphill except for a short stretch of relatively level trail along the ridgeline.  Some of the trail is very steep.  The trail is narrow for much of the first mile with heavy growth on both sides of the track.  It is easy to step off the trail if you are not careful.  Near the top of the first ascent it steepens noticeably.  Once on top you will reach an intersection with the Thorp Mountain trail.  Be sure to turn to the right if you want to go to the lookout.  The next half mile is the easiest part of the hike.  When you get to within 1/2 mile of the lookout, the trail becomes very steep.  There are spectacular vistas in all direction to make the climb worth the effort.  We were lucky enough to have a cloud free day and Mount Rainier was especially beautiful.  Wild flowers were in abundance for the entire hike.