We set out on this hike expecting a challenge, and a challenge we got. According to the altimiter that we brought the hike gains about 3,900 ft from the parking lot to the top. The trail is pretty steep most of the way with the exception of the first leg on the logging road and the first few hundred feet …
This is one of those hikes that beats you down every time, but somehow, you always end up coming back for more. By my count, the trail is actually closer to 6 miles round trip rather than the listed 7.5, but don't consider that a blessing. You still have to deal with that 4,000 foot climb. Making matters worse, the …
This would be a wonderful hike to take with out-of-town visitors. It has great old-growth forests with a variety of flora and numerous charming water "features". Water trickles across the trail in little mini-waterfalls. You will also pass actual bigger gushing waterfalls. The vegetation itself is like you'd imagine Washington rain should bring. We loved all the different mushrooms, ferns, …
I am giving this hike four stars because the beautiful fall colors saved it from being only a two or three. I was expecting more. I know there must be some beauty in seeing the forest regenerate after fire. But, I thought it was sad to wonder how beautiful it would have been had the trees not been all burned …
It is a nice hike to take for the day. I also snapped a few photos that I like. It's Oct. so the bugs were no problem at all. It rained a lot so all the wood were soaked for a campfire, I brought a few twigs so it wasn't that big of a problem to start a fire at …
The trip to Bandera is 3.8 miles. Not the 4.5 stated on attrition. Most of the hike is fairly easy, until about 30min. from the top. Right at the junction to Mason Lake, the Bandera route basically shoots straight up the face of the mountain. This caught me by surprise, but made the hike just that much more fun. Theres …
I have done this hike 6 times this year its not the best hike in the area but it is close to where I live and its a good work out. Right now is a good time to go the water was rushing over the falls on this last hike due to the rain fall we had. This makes the …
I hiked up to the top of Granite Mountain on Sunday October 2. We hit the trail at about 8:20 in the morning, and there was only one other vehicle at the trail head. The first few miles 2-3 miles of the trail takes you through the woods and is moderately steep. At about 4500 feet the trees thin out …
This is such a great hike! The views at the top are well with the effort. Go on a sunny day so you can enjoy them. The day we went some of the hikers turned around before making it to the top. If you go dont do this you will miss out on some of the best views. Bring your …
Did this hike 9/17/05. Rainier was in and out of the clouds, very dramatic. A nice change of terrain and a great way to get above the treeline pretty fast. Saw a just few marmots from a distance but there were a number of people on the trail being Saturday. Would love to go farther than Panhandle next time. A …
I'm just seconding the other great reviews. The trail is way cool all the way up, and the pay-off at the top is fabulous.
Sweet place to visit - great views from the road and roadside trail. Not sure if there is an actual reflection lake trail but just the view from the road is worth the quick stop. Also, on the other side of the road there is a great trail to Pinnacle Peak (or just saddle) which is a short, up hill …
We did a day hike to Pratt Lake yesterday in about 5.5 hours w/ a shortish lunch break at the lake. It was fairly moderate until the final approach to the lake... but still not bad. It's easy on the knees w/ a gradual, but consistent, incline. Regardless, it was a totally diverse and peaceful hike. We only saw a …
I love this trail, but if you're in shape it might be too easy. So, try running it. I summit in 30 - 40 minutes and run back down in 25 for about a 1hr round-trip. Nice workout!
A lot of folks say this is an easy climb. In terms of something like Rainer, yes, Adams (South Climb) is easy because you don't have to worry about crevasses the whole day. But it definetely is a good work out and gives people a fairly good exposure to the alpine environment. You have to chance to see a little …
Liesurly stroll up the Taylor River to the concrete bridge (Big Creek) beneath the falls first week in August; temp in the low 80s, bugs under control, water levels very low (time of year + drought winter). Four kids: 2 13 yo young ladies and 2 10 yo young men in tow; actually, 2 49 yo men and 1 47 …
I started this trail in fairly miserable conditions. It was raining steady as I left the car. I managed to enter the trail at the wromg spot, but as has been mentioned previously, this is not quite a trail route, but more a scramble and search. Toomany people have taken shortcuts across the switchbacks and it can be confusing at …
We hiked up to Talapus over Labor Day weekend. There was a warning sign posted at the trailhead about aggressive bees stinging people above Talapus lake, which indeed turned out to be true. The trail up to Talapus was absolutely lovely and in great condition- through nice forest, and along bubbling creek with some cascade views. The lake itself was …
Great hike but definitely a good workout. You definitely feel the 3400 feet of gain if you're out of shape. I got to the top in about 2 1/2 hours stopping to pick and eat huckleberries found on the upper 1/3 of the trail. Good stuff!! High reward hike!! 3 liters of water is good for the climb.
This is a pretty amazing hike on a clear day. Fairly moderate incline is well worth the effort. Stunning views from both sides of the past. Do this hike!!!! We played around on the Pinnacle Glacier after a short scramble on loose scree and then followed a game trail down along a small stream back to the main road.
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Great reward for the amount of work involved. Don;t bother unless it's a nice day though, you won't see much with clouds around.
I climbed up to Muir with a couple buddies in Early September in superb weather. We hit the trail at 9am all prepared with plenty of layers, and ski poles. I used an ice axe. Make sure to also bring sunglasses. I should have brought 3L rather than 2L wich sufficed, but made me a bit anxious to get back …
Wow, what a hike... We hit the trailhead around 9, and we reached the skyline trail right around 1015... So I thought to myself, "Oh, weve gone about half way, we should be at Muir around 1130"... Wow, little did I know... Since its late summer, small crevasses have opened up here and there on the snowfield, it made route …
The above reviews do not lie, but be warned, swarms of wicked and vile vespids haunt the trail (at least in September) and attack with force!
Labor Day weekend 2005. The trail starts off with non stop switchbacks to lower lena lake... but hke is still fairly easy at this point. At about 5 miles in you pass the National park border where the trail instantly starts to climb for the next two miles. I wouldnt call the hike strenuous, but the last two miles are …