Beautiful & challenging

Beautiful, but challenging hike. The trail starts challenging, with a fairly steep first hour, followed by a series of alternating flatter, then steeper sections for the remainder, with a final rock scramble to the top. I hiked this trail with 30lb pack in training for an upcoming JMT thru-hike and admittedly this is one of the harder hikes I’ve done. That said, the breathtaking peak views made it absolutely worth it.

Arrived at 6am on a Saturday to a full car lot, so get in nice and early. Not too busy and super-friendly hikers (shout out to the three “shoe nerd” hikers who were “tracking” my Brookes Cascadias on the way up…hilarious!).

Carried 5 litres of water and drank 4.5. There are a couple of outhouse bathrooms about half-way up at the camp grounds in case you need ’em.

Loved this hike, though wouldn’t rush to dot it every weekend 🙂