This Peak was an absolute stunner! Being that it was my second peak hike in as many weeks I felt I was ready, glad I didn't research the elevation to much. I could see where this may make a person think twice before setting out to climb it. There is plenty more hikes with more elevation gain and while this peak was my second of the challenge, I thought why not get it out of the way since its so close and all! My legs will need a few days to recover, I cramped up as I bent over to remove my spikes. I will say the unobstructed views from atop the peak were spectacular today. Rainer was out in full force and one can never really get enough of that from any angle! The weather here in the PNW area has been a blessing for early February, sun and 50's is a desirable thing out on the trail. There was not a single complaint about today, the uphill battle, the slick icy trail where the sun would melt it and then the cold comes to refreeze, the elevation gain in that span and not even the couple slips on my backside on the way down. I can say the old trail up and new trail down is probably the best combo, couldn't imagine going down the old way.