Let me start off by saying: this is not a trail.
Ok! With that in mind, we can proceed.
It took my an insanely long time to find the trail head because it was so overgrown I couldn't see the sign and I found the directions not fantastic. Basically, you will take the dirt road and cross a small bridge and two structures. After that, continue on the road until a solid right turn. The trail head is on the LEFT side of the road a few feet before the turn.
Once on the trail, there are five distinct phases. The first is a lovely, easy-peasy hike along a simple trail. Then you hit the first small lake and will need to cross some downed trees to get across the water. After that, the trail is no more. There will be a portion of trail that is so overgrown you cannot see your knees and simply have to guess where your feet end up. The trail then becomes a series of somewhat steep switchbacks, not well marked, for another mile. I will advise to keep in mind if you loose the trail, look behind you for a sharp switch back poorly marked. I did see one poor girl trying to do the trail in Birkenstocks - she gave up even though her dog was having a grand time.
Ok so you made it through that very slow mile and suddenly you're on the PCT. This part is simple, flat, easy. For me, this was the first time I saw people other than that one girl and this section was crowded. The hike along here moves quickly.
Up next is the steep slug up to the peak. It's an okay climb that leaves you pretty exposed. It adds a significant amount of time but the views are breathtaking. Be mindful, it is steep and can be nerve-racking for those scared of heights (me).
After that you rejoin the PCT for another easy bit before the last of the five distinct sections which is an overgrown, not oft traveled trail back to the trail head.
It was an ok hike but I would seriously encourage anyone interested to skip this hike and instead do the mirror lake hike. You cover all but one and half of the same miles and the part you skip, is well worth skipping. I am serious enough about this advise, I went back out and did exactly that right after doing this hike.
Stats:
Total Distance: 10 Miles
Total Time: 4 hours
Dogs Seen: 4
Snacks: Protein bar
Bugs: 1 trillian.
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