This was an awesome sufferfest. Highly recommended for enthusiasts of self flagellation.
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Getting There:
Overall pretty straightforward. All roads are suitable for all vehicles. After Lords Lake Loop road, the road names used in Google maps do not match those in the trip description on the Washington Trails website. Most aren't signed, so I'm not sure which is right. In any event, either will get you to the trailhead with no trouble.
After you make the left at Lords Lake the road does get rougher, but it's not the potholes you need to watch. There are a few, as well as a couple short sections of washboarding, but all are easy to avoid. It's all the loose gravel that can cause issues, particularly on the curves. But have care and you'll be fine.
Got to the trailhead around 10 AM to find only two other cars in the parking lot. Five more cars pulled in as I was getting ready to hit the trail. There were still a couple of spots available when I got back to the lot after my hike.
There is a toilet at the parking lot stocked with TP (though not the best quality). No hand sanitizer.
Along the Trail:
The rhodies are in bloom all the way up to the top. Those near the trailhead are all completely open while near the top there are a few buds still left. There are also a few other flowers; bunch berries, columbine, a couple paintbrush and more. But it's definitely the rhodies that are the stars.
Trail is in good condition and easy to follow all the way up to the top.
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Nice easy hike with lots of park informational plaques along the trail. Low to moderate light exposure and could be cold on a spring day with the tree cover. Plenty of nature to observe and no wild animal encounters.
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Great rhodies blooming for the first mile or so. Then steeper and steeper, wrapping around the mountain and stellar mountain views highe up. Phol Hall bench has great mountain view.
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This is a very nicely maintained loop trail with several bridges and creeks to cross. Traveling clockwise gets a considerable elevation gain completed early while adding the Viewpoint trail near the mid-point gets hikers a great vista of Lake Chapman and helps achieve a “destination” aspect to the loop hike. With the Viewpoint side trip, the hike ends up being approximately 7 miles with an overall elevation gain of roughly 1800 feet. Look for a troll under one of the bridges in the loop in order to add interest for little hikers. Overall this hike is a very enjoyable trip through the woods with nice visual elements along the way.
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This trail is very well maintained but heavily traveled. The view is incredible and getting to the lake is an easy to moderate ascent with a few roots and loose rocks to navigate around. Overall, this has been one of my favorite hikes this year.
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One of the best hikes in the area to get an unbelievable view of Crescent Lake and check out a cool WWII lookout. We started hiking around 1 pm and came back around 5:45 pm. On our way up, we saw a few people coming down, but on the way down we were completely alone. I’m shocked we saw less than 10 people on this hike during Memorial Day. Around mile 2, you’ll cross a small gully - beware of your footing. Once you cross it, the elevation starts to climb and you’ll start to sweat. Bring bug spray - the bugs were pretty brutal at the top since there wasn’t much wind.
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This is a surprisingly nice little hike. The rushing creeks and small waterfalls at the top of the hike are the highlight.
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3/24/2019 Hiked to Camp Jolly about 10 miles round trip. We had micro spikes but snow is melting and random patches did not need them. We use hiking poles that helped with small creek crossings. One large tree over trail but easy to get over. I was disappointed that the Bark Shanty sign is gone :( . Bridges are in excellent condition, built in 2012. Road to trail was good, just a few large pot holes that are avoidable. No wild flowers yet but I can't wait to Rhody season!
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Christmas day hike 2018. Stopped raining as we got to the trail about 8:30 am. Trail clockwise has a 2 small trees over trail, easy to step over. We started up to the look out, patchy snow then at the 5th switchback consistent 1-2" of trampled snow, this is the old logging road so easy to navigate. We turned around at the arrow sign as micro spikes would be best from there on up. Coming down there were more trees down, easy to scramble over, about 7 more trees. All in all a good hike to get the heart rate up and breath some clean air. Saw a Cushman security truck pass by the parking lot. Only one car when we started and 3 when we returned. I recommend water proof shoes, hiking poles, gaiters and 10 essentials. Always be prepared for rain and layer up. We hiked almost 6 miles, moving time 3.10, average speed 25 mph. You make up time on the way down:) Good half day hike and dogs are allowed.
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I was unable to finish this hike but I will be back but a great OptOut day. This trail was great and an easy walk in the woods.
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Had perfect fall weather, so we had awesome views of the Pacific Northwest! Mt.Baker, Mt Rainier, and the nearby Olympics peaks. We are two women in our 60’s and we had no trouble with this hike. We will do again and again. There are many people on the trail and also many dogs. Get there early for good parking
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Great hike for someone not able to do a strenuous hike, but wants to get some good elevation. You can drive up to over 5000’ and then hike a relatively easy grade as far as you like.
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Closed in by weather and fresh snow above 4000 ft. Good trail conditions except slippery above the snowline where snow remained on the trail.
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Lucked out with the weather. Go early, take plenty of water and layered clothing. Was windy and chilly at the top. Trail in great repair!
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A great backpacking trip that follows the river though the valley with elevation gain stretched over many miles. Ample campsites at the end and requires a permit and bear canister to hike. The chalet was moved back due to the receding river bank and will most likely need to be moved again. Rangers were camped back in the valley checking permits. This is a perfect hike to do with friends, especially if they enjoy a variety of tree species. Break up the mileage by camping in designated campsites along the way.
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