With a forecast of no visibility, we decided it would be a good idea to visit a summit that doesn't really have much in the way of views. Hence, Dirty Harry's Peak was the goal. We have not been there since 2004, so were a little concerned about the route. Turns out this was not a problem at all.
Gary, Bear, and I arrived at the trailhead, such as it is, around 7:30. Exit 38, turn RIGHT and then left to find the road to the Fireman's Training Academy, and proceed about a half mile passed the gate that ""closes at 4:00 PM"". When you reach a small meadow on the left, and an abandonded logging road on the right with a well-defined trail and a few cement barriers, you're at the trailhead. Reports say it is at 1350' but my GPS says closer to 1400'. The summit was 4660', so a 3300' gain in about 5 miles.
The trail is clear all the way, with a few minor blow downs and occasional water on the trail. We stayed left at the junction at the talus field, and it took us to the summit. The rain went from moderate to mist and back to moderate. Not bad for a Seattle winter's day. We made the summit in 2'18"", staying with a moderate pace and short water breaks every 30 minutes. True to form the views were about 1/4 mile, so only nearby peaks were visible. The trail is in excellenct shape the entire way, and I would recommend this as a nice Si-like hike without the crowds or summit views. It will become a different hike once the snows arrive.
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