Hiked up at 7pm to watch the sunset on the day of the summer solstice. Been up this trail dozens of times with no issues. However this Thursday evening we saw a small sign posted at the “second” trail head about a five minute walk from the parking lot informing us that there was a dead deer very near the trail and bears had been seen in the area that day. Sure enough about 10 minutes into the hike we saw a very fresh dead deer just 15 feet off the trail on the uphill side. I usually don’t worry too much about black bears but with the dead deer there and coming down after dark where visibility is limited, it did give me pause of concern. We continued to the top and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. On the return trip we made bunch of noise on the way down,just in case, and I will be avoiding this trail for a while until the deer gets consumed or dragged off. I have no desire to surprise a bear while it’s feeding.

First hike out in PNW! 

Started hike at ~9AM, got to the top around 10:30 to 11AM. Very steep hike. I wouldn't say a beginner hike, but there were people with dogs, children, all ages!

Great workout and the views were spectacular even with a little bit of rain and mist.

Afternoon hike starting at 345 pm

I lost my beloved Buff- 8-10 years traveler with tie-die rainbow and feels more like cotton than synthetic. Please find me if found. I’m on Facebook- Sandi Friedhoff Hill.