Exploratory Hike from the Maiden Lake Trailhead

First time summiting Maiden Peak from the east side. Started at the Maiden Lake Trailhead, which requires miles driving on a washboard gravel road but is otherwise passable by sedans. The trailhead has parking for about four vehicles (although mine was the only one yesterday).

This is a nice trail. Starts off with a steep climb to warm up your body and then tapers to a gentle climb. There’s a second steep section that climbs just east of a lava rock field, and another 100 yards after that, you join the Maiden Peak Summit Trail (which I’ve taken before). At that point, you’re nearly at the summit.

Thursday was nearly windless and clear with amazing visibility.  I was expecting to see some snow left over from last week’s storm, but it had entirely melted off.

Also, there are some new trail signs at the junctions, helping you along the way.

On my way back I took a spur trail to Maiden Lake. WOW! Really beautiful. Might have to come back for an overnighter.

All told, I logged just over 10 miles and 3,000 feet of vertical. Four peaks down, just two more to go!