trailhead is just down the road, and having passed it on the way up, we knew there was nobody parked there. Solitude being what the doctor ordered, we headed that way pronto.
You will notice from the trail description that this is a strenuous hike. This is an understatement, particularly if you have not hit the trail all summer. But, knowing what I was getting into, I plunged onward and upward. And upward. And upward. Twenty-seven hundred feet upward to be exact. The "100 Hikes" guidebook says that this is a four hour hike. That's almost exactly what it took us. I'm sure young son could have done it in much less time had he been unencumbered, he never even started breathing hard, but I wouldn't have wanted to try doing it in less time.
For me, besides being out with the boy, the highlight of the hike was a very clear cougar track in the trail. That it was in a section of trail containing elk tracks told the story. I've never seen cougar sign before, and let me tell you, it was quite a thrill.
The whole day was picture perfect as the view of Mt. Rainier attests. Any day vertical is a good day, but one spent out in the boonies with family is hard to beat. Was I tired at the end of the day? You bet. Had a few blisters and a couple aches and pains too. Would I trade a minute of it? Not a chance.
