Skies weren't all cloudy at 11:00am and patches of sunshine were starting to poke through so we figured by the time we got up there it'd be just right and we were looking forward to this wonderful view:
But the mighty mountain Goddess was probably tired of the heat and humidity herself and gave us this:
https://youtu.be/DszftNa0ReQ
Not gonna complain really ... it was awesome and took me back to San Francisco and west end of the Richmond out near the old Sutro Baths and Land's End. Couldn't see a damn thing but it sure felt like it.
As for the hike itself, it's pretty straight forward.
You switchback partially exposed at the beginning, fairly easily, until you get to the canopy. It's not dense so there's plenty of light filtering through and the trails are soft with fir needles. A couple of logs to maneuver on the way up, and plenty of exposed tree roots, but it is a pretty basic hike through spruce, ferns and salal (the trail is really well kept and clear).
Lots of salmonberries ... and wild flowers that are much fresher than the inland ones are now.
It's a steady climb to the top but pretty gradual. In some spots we were treated to a false rain ... the dew was dropping from above and landing on the ferns making it sound just like a shower, and feeling like it too. 57 degrees on the way up. Perfect hiking weather.
The summit is an easy scramble. Well hardly a scramble but it is rocky and you may use your hands here and there.
On a clear day, it's probably amazing to just sit on the peak for a bit and take in the view.
Yesterday though we couldn't see anything it was great just to have nature's air conditioner flowing. If this heat keeps up, I might just head back! I would recommend this hike as an afternoon (probably less cloudy) side trip during a day at the beach. Short Sand Beach is very close and very nice.
