“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” — John Muir
This was my 2nd time on this trail, and it felt like I was hiking up nature's playground.
I was walking in the woods, climbing wooden ladders and granite stairways. As you arrive at the lookout, you never know what people and treasures await. This trip at sunset, it was just me, a young couple and 3 guys preparing for a “hammock sleepover” inside the lookout. They had arrived 45 minutes before I had, at 6:45pm. It looked like a pretty sweet set-up and made me want to try it out.
The views at the top always impress. I learned the names of new peaks, but I also smiled when I saw familiar ones, like Glacier Peak. I could name more of the Cascade Range. Revisiting places you've been reveals how much you've grown and learned and experienced since you were last there.
I officially got the “hiking bug” since moving to Washington last summer, and after climbing Mount Pilchuck, I couldn't be happier about it.
Total Mileage: 5.5 // Total Time: 3:12 // Total Drive Time on the Gravel Road: 29 minutes one-way
Responses
Beautiful shots, Kristin! Out of curiosity, what kind of vehicle did you use up the gravel road to the trailhead?
We have a Honda Accord. However, last year I drove it in a MINI Cooper not knowing how bad the road is and still made it with a few scuffs. It was a little dicey though and wouldn’t recommend a compact car!