Mount Pilchuck — Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

The road is a mix of old pavement and dirt, they're ate a few potholes, not too bad. My little commuter car easily did 20-30mph on it. There's a Vault toilet at trailhead too. Bring water, they're is no water in this trail. Go early, before the heat and the crowds no matter what day you go. I did this solo, took maybe 4 hours with time at the top. Just take your time, be safe, hike your hike. My GPS said 5.44 miles round-trip, with 2,328 ft elevation gain. I would not recommend for small children or dogs. You'll understand why by the end. The trail; for the first mile, is in the shade, forest, with amazing peekaboo views, couldn't stop talking pictures. After about 1-1.5 miles it does get steeper and rockier, follow the trail, it's well marked with orange posts. The Boulder fields are brutal on joints both ways, so if you have any joint issues use trekking poles. On the way up it gets steeper and steeper, just put one foot in front of the other, you'll be rewarded with views of Puget Sound, Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier and even Big Four the farther up you get. At one spot there's a huge boulder over the trail next to a giant granite slab, climb up next to the giant boulder to the right and you can see the trail. Rocks, boulders, etc most of the teddy if the way up, you see where work crews have added steps and walks but it's eroded and quite honestly, easier to walk next to most of them. Stunning views await, and just when you see the tower, you see the bouldering bit, which, to me (not comfortable with heights due to vertigo) is like rock climbing. Scared me and a US Marine to death. Just pick your route and be safe. I had to find finger holds, foot holds, and butt scoot. Climb the vehicle ladder and the most rewarding view awaits. Lots of history in the tower too. Good luck and down is much easier but still hard on joints.