Steep and technical enough to be challenging, short enough to finish in a few hours, Mount Storm King is my favorite hike on the Peninsula.

I saw a never-ending rain forecast coming, so this was my last ditch effort to hike in good Fall weather. I started on a Thursday at 7:40am and was the only car in the parking lot. There were clouds and mist on the steep climb – still good views – but when I reached the summit at 9:20am the fog rolled in. No panorama views, but beautiful in a moody Pacific Northwest way.

I saw at least half a dozen groups on the descent, as well as two groups with Nature Bridge, an organization that gives students an opportunity to experience and explore national parks like Olympic and Yosemite.

Finished at 10:07am, just as the rain started to pour. With the fall colors, solitude and ever-changing weather, it was a great hike!

Note on ropes/ gloves:

The ropes looked pretty good, although one has started to unravel. There was also a pile of gloves, but I always recommend bringing your own, ones you're comfortable with.