Type of Hike
Day hike
Decided to hike this trail all the way to the PCT. Started out at 10:00am. As I was hiking I was having second thoughts because of all the smoke, but it looked more to the south. I spoke to a hiker coming down and he said it wasn't to bad where the trail meets the PCT. The trail thru the forest to Mackinaw Shelter is in great shape, but a grind. At Mackinaw Shelter it starts gaining elevation and it does not stop. The switchbacks and the trail overall is exposed to the sun and heat except for a few short jaunts thru forest after Mackinaw. As a day hike this was a tough hike on my 50 year old body, next time I will have to make this an overnighter and break it up. Didn't like the 3 and a half mile steep climb after a 5 mile hike, then going back. When I reached the PCT I took one of my cameras out of my pack and realized the batteries for both cameras were still on the chargers at home:/ Because of the smoke it obscured the views, but I wanted to take pictures of the patches of color in the upper meadows. I don't know how healthy all the climbing is with the smoke, don't think it could be good. I hope they open the Suiattle River Road while I'm still able to hike, I'm really drawn to this wilderness. Was back to the car at 6:00pm. I think I'm going to feel this one tomorrow.
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