Showed up to the parking lot at 8 AM, I would say to about 30 cars in the lot - around 10% full as a rough guess. Parts of the dirt road approach to the lot are strewn with numerous deep pot holes, so proceed cautiously. Temps were upper 40s, with a continuous light drizzle reaching even through the trees. There are restroom facilities at the trailhead, which also contain the only garbage cans I was able to locate at the start. I took the 'New Trail' up - The path was consistently muddy and mucky, with trees and foliage dripping on me from above - but I would say that served as a refreshing wake up after the groggy drive over! Frequent rocks and roots occupy the trail, so mind your step. The first half of the hike one is mostly protected from wind, and the canopy above provides a decent shelter against the light rain. Not too many folks on the trail on the ascent, and I saw only a handful of dogs. Those that were off-leash were well behaved, respectful and obedient. All hikers (individuals and groups) were observant of trail courtesy, and kept noise levels at a respectful level. In 'The Snag' part of the ascent, I stopped to admire the stately, HUGE Douglas fir that survived the fire years ago(there's a couple placards about this on the boardwalk spur). This area is nice and flat and serves as a nice respite from all the switchbacks.
Speaking of switchbacks, that's all the ascent really is! I fell into a plodding rhythm eventually, until I hit the trail snow about 1 mile from the summit. I thought I might be able to manage with just my hiking boots, but 15 steps forward proved me wrong, since this snow is more ice than anything. And on a steep slope like this, that's a treacherous combo- so I donned the spikes. Make sure you do as well! Even with the spikes the icy climb was a bit unnerving. I ended my ascent where the trail tapered off, and where the scramble up the West Chimney Rock begins (I wasn't keen on scrambling up this in the wet and cold) Unfortunately, I was well above the clouds, so there were no views to be had! I'll need to return when visibility is better. So I lunched among the snowy rocks while fending off aggressive Canada Jays, and was getting chilled very quickly, so I started my descent via the 'Old Trail' --> Douglas Fir Trail. (Almost no people on this route).
For the birders - there wasn't really any birdsong or sightings on the way up the New Trail, but the lower half of the Old Trail, and entirety of the Douglas Fir was replete with birdsong! This was around noon-1 PM. My bird app picked up the beautiful songs of Red breasted nuthatches, purple finches, and brown creepers - and I even heard two flocks of cackling geese fly way overhead! I was also rewarded with an angry pair of Pacific wrens that yelled at me for a couple minutes.
Picked up three dog poop bags during the course of this hike.
Comments