Myself and a couple friends have decided in the midst of doing the 6 peak challenge to take on Mt Whitney in July 2025. So this peak was a good opportunity to test gear.

We set off from a very wet parking lot around 9:30 Am after covering our full packs and trying to rain proof our gear. The forecast was for light rain and it was gusting heavy rain when we left. I tested out my tent rain fly/poncho.

In the thick of the Bay trees and cover of the Mt., the wind was minimal, and the rain became large drops from the trees. Unless very exposed we were good on the trail as majority of it provided cover. Despite an occasional large puddle on the trail, some run off, the trail was great and very well marked.

4 miles up we ascended and opted to boil some water to quickly make a hot lunch my friend had dehydrated and been testing recipes. Despite out prep for rain we managed to get fairly damp. We discussed future hikes with rain prep. I obviously needed some water resistant pants. But my other articles were wool and keeping me comfortable.

After lunch we descended quickly and the rain and wind almost let up completly by 12 noon. It's was a great hike back, spotting clearings in the clouds that showed beautiful vistas of the valley below and the mist drifting over the hillsides with  rainbows.

Overall it was a enlightening hike. Easy with only a 1600 elevation gain and 8 mile round trip. The weather provided  extra challenge but also provided added beauty.