Paul Peak — Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024

The purpose of this report is to provide a better estimate of the elevation gain /loss on this trail.  The WTA description lists "900 ft" of gain from the TH to the junction with the Wonderland and return in 6.2 miles.  This is inaccurate.  The total gain is more like  about 2600 ft. (1000 on the way in, 1600 on the way out)  From the TH at about 3600 on the Mowich Road, the trail descends about 400 ft to a crossing of Meadow Creek (at 3200ft) then climbs to nearly 4200 around a shoulder before descending 1200ft to the junction with the Wonderland which is at about 3000ft.  Returning the same way, one must regain the 1200 ft, then descend to Meadow Creek crossing again, and then regain the 400 ft to get back to the TH.  Other hikers please check me on this.  I am using an older USGS map to read off the elevations.  I hiked it yesterday and have hiked it before.  My legs think it is definitely more than 900 ft!