I was craving sunshine, which caused me to change my trip and plan last-minute, but it was very worth it! Arrived at the north trailhead at 11am to find about a dozen cars already there. It seems like the parallel parking can fit 20+ vehicles. The dirt road FS5720 was not too bad, but the paved road approaching it has really bad hidden potholes. Also, I saw a bear on the road in!
This hike is a long slog. The 2 miles to reach the meadow is steep, and even in the meadow it is still a pretty tough incline. Good workout the whole way. But the wildflowers are insanely beautiful and look to still be blooming towards the top! There was so much variety.
A lot of people I met on the trail turned left at the knob at about 3 miles and summitted that and called it a day. It was beautiful up there, but the extra 2.5 miles to the Tatoosh lookout peak is worth the extra push with views the entire way. There are campsites at both peaks. Most people out were day hiking, only a few of us camping in the north end of the trail. Camping is somewhat limited with room for maybe 3 tents at the Tatoosh lookout summit. If you continue hiking to the ridge past the summit, there are a few more spots with a similar view.
The sunset and sunrise were unreal! The best show in the world. No bugs because it was a chilly day and night, but a regular told me that she was eaten alive by skeeters the previous week on this same hike. There are still significant snow patches, and that is the only water source at the summit and for a mile or so down the trail. I decided to carry in all the water I needed making for some sore shoulders today.
The way down has some pretty steep patches; I would say poles are a must if you have a pack. This trail is beautiful start to finish, and the crowds were insignificant, which felt special being so close to a busy national park.
Comments