East Peak is a continuation from Rattlesnake Ledge, which is a very popular hike. Once past the lower, middle and upper ledges the crowds melt away. To avoid the inevitable hiking hordes on the way up, an early start on a weekday is always a good way to go. Discover Pass for parking, but I did see plenty of people who chanced not having one.
The entire way is a steady grade. Started about 8:00 am on a Monday, once past the lower ledge I didn't see one person as I continued my hike up to East Peak, nor did I see anyone on the way back until I reached upper ledge. I headed straight past the first two ledges to upper ledge where I paused to enjoy 20 minutes of solitude, taking in the views and watched 3 hawks enjoy the updrafts. Once I continued I appreciated the abrupt change to a brown, cool, pine forest. You can immediately feel the difference in the path, from a compacted surface from so many visitors to the humus springy soil from a less traveled path. It felt as if I had stepped into a sound dampener once I stepped back onto the shaded path. I know that a lot of people won't rate this hike highly, but having no one around for several hours of hiking is a huge bonus this close to populated areas. Along the way I encountered several types of fungus which made me wish I knew what I was looking at. Pretty sure I passed a batch of Chantarelles (not photographed), but don't know enough to have harvested them, so I let them stay.
Don't bother going the last few hundred feet to the true East Peak, stopping at the viewing bench is perfect. If you keep going you'll just find a rusted tower and broken down building. Trail is straight forward with no other paths branching from it. It is well maintained with easy footing. You do cross a few old forest roads with wooden barricades to keep horses and bikes off your hiking trail.
The elevation gain and distance on WTA is correct. Hike #23 of 52 Hike Explorer Challenge.
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