Day hike to Maiden Peak from Deer Park. Parking area full but many spots along road at 10 AM. We saw a couple groups walking out on our way in. We did not go up to Maiden Peak proper but took the route described in the WTA description to the between Maiden Peak and Elk Mtn. Roaring Winds camp is an accurate description, was VERY windy up there, but a great spot for views and lunch before heading back. Met a handful more hikers headed up on our way out. The WAT description has all the info you need, but just to reiterate the views up here are amazing, and it has a little bit of everything: forest, meadow, ridge walking, peak, did I mention views? Honestly the only thing not to love is the uphill slog at the very end of the hike, just before you get back to the trailhead :D
FLORA: Fall colors beginning to paint the meadows and forest undergrowth. Lots of red/orange/yellow and should just be getting better.
FAUNA: Grouse on the trail. Deer, Gray Jays, ground squirrels and chipmunks, and a LARGE snowshoe hare at the campground.
TOILET TALK: Toilet at trailhead in good condition.
OTHER: Deer Park Campground is one of my fave places to car camp, and has great access to Maiden Peak and a few other trails. We arrived around 1PM on a Friday and there were a handful of sites available. No water here so plan accordingly. Campsites w/o shelters seem to have less rodent activity. Smoke plume from Bear Gulch fire was ominous and impressive, but smoke was not a big problem and seemed to be a lot lower and further south.
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