TLDR; Biked 3.5 mi to S. Puyallup trail. Out'n'Back to Emerald Ridge. Some views, fantastic forest, rushing river, many waterfalls coming off the glacier/mountain
Road: Easy. Some slowness getting through the MRNP gates.
Trail description is accurate. I only saw 2-3 people on the Westside road and 2 others on the hike. very nice solitude and hiking. much of the hike in the forest with some of the trail going parallel to the river, which was rushing and made a nice background along w/ chirping birds. kind of overcast, but able to see the snowcapped tops of some of the peaks. the colonnade by the S. Puyallup River camp is *awesome* ... such cool geology (geometric basalt columns) bursting out of the ground and later along the river canyon and the wide variety of rocks tells a cool story of glaciers, volcanoes and the forces of nature. i would have spent more time here taking pics but was trying to move fast on this occasion
Westside Road: biked it. road in great shape; no trees to cross. didnt go past the Marine Memorial, but no issues up to there. 3.5 miles pedaling up, coasted down :)
S. Puyallup trail - a couple of minor blowdowns, but either easily passable or steps cut into them. didnt see any tents at the campsite here.
Emerald Ridge trail (E of S Puyallup camp). Easy to follow. Only one significant erosion/washout of the trail near the last switchback before Emerald Ridge (see pic) - there are 2 adjacent sections of the trail where the trail is down to ~12in wide on loose dirt. A previous hiker told me about it and they had cut across the switchback to avoid it. i was able to walk through it but it could be a risk.
Flora/Fauna: a few wildflowers at Emerald ridge just beginning. some other spots along the trail too. Saw a few pika and a cute waddling hoary marmot at the top & lots of their holes/dens. scat and prints from elk
Gear: standard hiking boots, poles. no traction needed. 38mm tires on urban commuter/gravel bike.
15.5 mi total, 7 bike, 8+ on foot. 4.5 hours
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