I've hiked both trails to Poo Poo Point a few times, but this time I had a unique chance to hike both routes in the same hike. My driver dropped me off at the High School Trail and I followed the long trail up to the top, then I took the Chirico Trail down and reconnected with my driver in the parking lot. It was great to experience both trails on the same day.
Both trails are nice in their own way, but I would much prefer the High School Trail (longer version). The Chirico Trail is full of people who don't hike often, unprepared and playing Bluetooth speakers. The Chirico trail is definitely shorter, but it is nearly the same elevation gain so overall steeper and more challenging. The longer trail, while still at an incline, is more gradual and an enjoyable workout that could be a nice a trail run.
We had a nice view at the top today, on a clear, sunny Sunday winter day. Rainier was prominent from the southern lookout. Paragliders were prepping for takeoff at the north lookout, but we didn't stick around long enough for their flight.
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