I was a little intimidated by this hike after reading all of the trip reports but I am happy to share that it was a fabulous hike up!
We had an early start and were on the trail just after 7AM. Reports are right - it goes straight up a rocky, rooted trail from the start. For two women who grew up hiking in New Hampshire, this felt just like home!
At a couple points, it was a little tricky to find the best route, but the way was easily found by referencing Gaia (you can download my route: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.1/-123.2469/47.5233&pubLink=LquqUzObGs1GkT5slldSr9pu&trackId=9fcbc91aab4c387558bf1cccf5d446edd1e4af14 ). Plus some kind hikers have build carins and flagged the trail in confusing sections.
Scree fields were a fun challenge and the final ascent around the summit was exciting but not as scary or exposed a scramble as I had prepared myself for. I was glad to have a helmets though, as there were a few points when one of us accidentally kicked rocks. Poles were also a must for both going up and going down.
We had the summit to ourselves and only saw one other hiker the whole morning! Round trip, it took about 5.5hr, including two lengthy stops to snack and enjoy the incredible undercast views of Tahoma to the east and the Olympics to the west. What a great spot!
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