Wow - what a great "under the radar" gem of a hike! Got to the TH at about 10:30 and there was only one other vehicle parked there. Thank you to WTA for the excellent directions to the TH in their narrative. Parking is in the shade which is lovely when returning to a vehicle after having been gone for awhile. There are no toilets at the TH and unfortunately I did note several instances of toilet paper left on the ground. How hard is it to put your toilet paper in a bag after doing your business?
This is indeed a wonderful hike for a hot day as it is probably 75% shade with dappled sunlight. The first half of the hike has minimal elevation change. There is that difficult area referenced in the description which is mostly level with some slight elevation change-- but has very loose small rock on a steep face with no foliage to block your fall and requires very careful navigation. The views right here are excellent BTW. After you get through that, for the second 1/2 of the hike basically - you will face most of the elevation--so get ready for lots of uphill at this point.
Probably one of the best things about this hike was that the trail was so smooth--not a ton of rocks and roots compared to other areas of Washington. This made it very pleasant. When you feel like you are finally at the top, don't stop until you get to the former lookout structure. There is a point that seems like the stopping point before that but if you go just a very small amount further you will get to the lookout and the best views of Lake Crescent.
I am firmly in middle age and found this hike perfect in terms of strenuous but not over the top for me. It was so refreshing to not have to navigate over soooo many roots and rocks (i.e., so many of the Mt. Rainier hikes). I agree with a previous review that this is a great alternative to Mt. Storm King. The elevation is stretched out over a longer mileage and there are few people. We only saw 2 other people the entire time - when we almost back to the TH start.
Be aware there are about three trees to go over and four to go under along the trail.
Addendum: I read in another trip report that if you go a little further past the TH sign, there are porta potties near a parking area.
Comments