Arch Rock — Saturday, Jun. 25, 2016

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

READ OTHER TRIP REPORTS! As other reports indicated, this hike is longer and has more elevation change than the description states. The directions also weren't great. There is no "clear cut" at the trail head. That description must have been written 30+ years ago. Just stay on FS70 until the end. You'll see a turnaround and outhouse. There will also be a sign for "PCT". That's the "trail head". Once on the trail, it's pretty easy to know where you're going. Just stay on the PCT and you can't get lost. There were LOTS of downed trees on the trail, some of which were pretty difficult to get over. The trail itself is amazing. Beautiful meadows, deep forests, and views along the way. You will enjoy your 7 mile trek to Arch Rock. Speaking of the "summit" of Arch Rock, keep your expectations in check. It won't be obvious when you get there. This trail is part of the PCT, so it doesn't stop at the destination; it just keeps going and you have to know when to stop at Arch Rock, which really isn't a rock, or an arch. It's just the highest point you get to about 7 miles from the trailhead. If the trail starts to descend into thicker forest, you know you've gone too far and need to turn around. We stopped and had lunch around whatever you can call the "summit" on some rocks overlooking peaks and valleys in the distance. Great views. On the way back, there were some mosquitoes, but nothing bad and we were fine as long as we kept moving. We only saw one other hiker the entire time; a backpacker coming the other way on the PCT. All in all I think this is one of my favorite hikes. The solitude, beautiful trail, and views made up for the downed trees and difficult to locate destination.