Trip 6: Mount Pilchuck (9/17)

With the nice weather winding down, I decided I better head up Mount Pilchuck before things really got nasty. Mount Pilchuck State Park is accessible via the Mountain Loop highway 10 miles east of Granite Falls, and the main attraction is the 3 mile trail to the fire lookout at the summit.

Frankly, I'm a bit embarrassed to say I've never been up Pilchuck. As a Washington native and someone who enjoys a good hike, I'm not quite sure how I've missed this one. Mount Pilchuck is one of the more popular trails in greater Seattle area. It's close (1.5 hours from Seattle), relatively short (6 miles round trip) and the views from the summit are spectacular. With an elevation gain of 2200 feet, it's also a pretty decent workout.

I got a decent day Sunday and hit the trailhead just after 8:00. Although relatively short, the summit trail's grade and traversal over several rock fields doesn't necessarily make for a casual stroll. The trail initially winds its way up through the forest and zig-zags through various boulder fields, which are quite impressive. To reach the fire lookout at the summit, you'll have to scramble over a series of large boulders that can get pretty slippery. The 360 degree view at the top is definitely worth the trip. On a clear day the cascade peaks can be seen, as well as Puget Sound and the surrounding islands.

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