Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek — Monday, Aug. 28, 2023

Well, a 90 degree day is not the best choice for this hike. But I started at 5pm so it was pleasant by the time I reached the lookout at light's golden hour. This trail is a challenge to get to and to hike. But its solitude is just what I was looking for.

Trail: short but steep. I found the first 1.2 miles up the mountainside to reach the ridge to be the most difficult. Steep, slippery with dirt and scree, and eroded in places. The shrubbery is overgrown into the trail, but not so much that you can't see the trail at your feet. Once the ridge is gained, a flat forested section allows you to catch your breath. Then the final 0.3 miles to the lookout gets steep again but with better foot holds. A great leg and cardio workout. Trekking poles would have been very helpful, but I forgot them back in the car.

Lookout: was locked. There may have been a hornet or yellowjackets nest near the lookout as I was harrassed by them throughout my time at the peak. Fortunately, no stings.

Views: wildfire haze obscured distant and intermediate views. But what could be seen was beautiful. Eastern views were a bit clearer. Mt Stuart and its range shone through the haze. Kachess Lake was barely visible. Mt Rainier not visible except in vague outline.

Wildlife: none except for some small ground squirrels, and two very large vultures (I think) just off the road.

Road: Google Maps routed me correctly and matched WTAs description. USFS 4308 (French Cabin Cr Road) is fine for all car types. USFS 4308-120 (Knox Creek Road) to the trailhead is unpleasant and for high clearance only. Rocky, rutty, branches thrashing, and a few areas of unavoidable gulley on one side of the road. Fortunately, it's only 2 miles. More specifically, mile 0 - 1 on Knox Creek Rd has some bad areas but it's a little more doable. Miles 1.0 - 1.5 is the worst. Then the last 0.5 miles to the trailhead is rough but smooths out slightly. In a Subaru Forester, I was able to make it within 0.7 miles of the trailhead before I called it quits, pulled over to a perfect car-sized pullout, parked, and walked the rest of the way to the trailhead. Making things more challenging, there are very few pull outs or areas that you can park during those 2 miles. So if you are sweating it in your car, I'd recommend pulling off somewhere between miles 1 - 1.3 on Knox Creek Rd.

Stats: 6.1 miles total (with the extra road walk). 1.5 hours up, 1.4 hours down.