Note: There are two roads heading from the parking area....the Mt Jupiter trailhead is NOT through the gate heading right (north) of the parking area, but down a road to the south. You should see a billboard for the trailhead within 1 minute. We and two over parties went the wrong way up the logging road for 1/2 mile and 500 ft of elevation...not a good way to start a 14 mile day hike.
The trail starts steeply (no warm-up) through deforested areas, but hits the National Forest limits (with needed shade) in 1/2 mile. The trail continues to climb for another 1/2 mile before getting to the ridge. Once on top of the ridge, its relative flat (some minor climbs and declines). Some downed trees to climb over or under interrupted the somewhat monotonous flats. There is a beautiful lookout at about 5 miles to views of The Brothers, the Cascades, and down to Duckabush River and Hood Canal.
In another 1/2 mile you'll reach the Brother's Wilderness. The climb to the summit starts ~1/2 mile after this and you'll reach the summit ~1 1/2 miles and 1600 feet in elevation later. The trail for the climb is very clear but is becoming eroded in some steeper sections to the summit. Watch your footing on the loose gravel/dirt. The trail is clear of snow all the way to the summit.
The trail is hot and dry so bring lots of water. We brought 3 quarts per person which would have been perfect if not for the 1 mile detour at the beginning. The wildflowers (Rhododendrons, Indian Paintbrush, etc) are past their prime at lower elevations, but once you reach the wilderness are right at peak. There were relatively no bugs except for the bees feeding on the wildflowers at higher elevations, but they won't bother you if you don't bother them.
All in all, a long, challenging day hike, but worth the effort for the views at the summit.
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