I’ve been itching to go on a hike like this all summer, but the timing just hadn’t been right until now. This is my favorite type of hike – steep climb with a spectacular view as payoff. It’s all in the picture; 4 miles straight up with 3700 ft of elevation gain. The first 2ish miles switchback up through the forest steeply enough that you can see hikers several levels above and below you. The first views of surrounding mountains reveal themselves as you leave the forest for an alpine meadow. After a few more miles of relentless uphill and spectacular views, you eventually reach the top which showcases almost 360 degree views of the Cascades.
Blair was a bit apprehensive about me going by myself, but I actually ended up hiking right behind another solo woman hiker for the first 0.5 mile or so. She eventually let me pass her (probably after getting annoyed by me awkwardly trailing her) and I actually ended up passing at least 20 people on the way up. There wasn’t any real reason to hike fast, that’s just the speed I go when I’m by myself. I definitely started to get tired by the time I got close to the top and took a few breaks to take in the scenery. It was an overcast day, but you could still see the mountains pretty well and I think the sprinkling rain kept the bugs away. You could barely see Glacier Mountain through the haze/fog at the top. I really enjoyed this hike and I still think it’s crazy that I live this close to such amazing hiking!
