I teamed up with one of my colleagues from WTA for a dayhike up Frog Mountain. This was part of our Hike-a-thon activity for the month of August. Since the Frog Mountain trailhead is just off Jack Pass, we drove the scenic loop first from Index up to Jack Pass and then down by way of Skykomish. The forest roads on this loop were in very good condition. The benefit of going this way is that you get to stop for a chocolate shake at the Skykomish Deli after your hike. There were three cars at the trailhead when we arrived at 8:30am and 11 cars when we came down. The toilet is a standard FS box about 100 yards up the trail. Bring your own supplies.
I have not been here for a couple of years. The trail is in excellent shape. There were no obstructions on the trail and the brush did not force one off the trail.
I quickly learned that there are many ripe berries along the trail when my hiking companion kept stopping for snacks at every opportunity. The huckleberries are ripe along the upper half of the trail.
Be ready for a number of switchbacks as you start the trail and continue up the 3.7 miles and 2100 feet of elevation gain. This trail can be very hot in the afternoon sun. The upper portion of the trail goes across several open areas (avalanche chutes) as it approaches the summit. The views were great on this sunny summer morning. You do NOT get 360 views from the summit area but you get great views to the north (Glacier, Columbia). If you go down trail a couple hundred yards you get equally great views to the south.
There is no water on this trail so pack accordingly. We finished out hike and where in Skykomish by 1:00pm. Enjoy a snack there is you want a break.
#HikeaThon
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