Norse Peak — Thursday, Jul. 18, 2024

So nice to drive on pavement right to the trailhead!  No anxiety provoking FS steep one lane roads with potholes!  Other reports are correct. This trail is well graded and after the steep part is done at about 2.5 miles the pitch is petty easy. Prolific wildflowers now in the burned forest area. I saw and/or heard hermit thrush, robin, flicker, sooty grouse, pine siskins, yellow rumpled warblers, a hummer, chipping sparrows and a kinglet. At about 4 miles or so I saw several very fresh piles of bear scat. Since I was hiking solo, I stopped to consider whether this was a good idea to go on by myself, but luckily a party of three passed me and took the lead! Then I pushed onto the top with wonderful views. One of my new favorite hikes that I’m going to recommend others.