We stayed in Packwood and really enjoyed exploring the town. Elk are everywhere, wandering around, munching on the foliage and generally unafraid of people:
The next morning we took the short drive up road 21 from Packwood and headed out from the TH at 2,725’. This is an especially nice trail almost entirely devoid of steep sections or rocky patches. Much of the way is through very old second growth but most is old-growth. As we hiked we noted evidence of the recent cutting of well over a hundred large logs that had fallen over the trail. The crew that cleared this performed a herculean effort indeed!
Typical trail views:
About 3 ¼ mile up the trail I took a short side trip to peak 5245. This turned out to be a big surprise, with the summit of this otherwise unremarkable bump covered in an assortment of huge columnar basalt. I’ve never seen such columns atop a ridge or peak before though there is a huge pile of them at the head of the Collins Point Slide between Dog Mt. and Wind Mt. Some of my TFF’s call that the “Field of the Fallen”. Interesting geology in both places, for sure.
Summit of P 5245:
And yet another. All these fallen trees were a bit of a surprise after reading that the trail had recently been cleared. Must have been a tough winter! Kel is talking to me again, though, and luckily Hawaii is still requiring a 14 day quarantine or I'd need to take her there again to atone! I'm kidding a bit about that: She loved the hike, the deep forest, the challenge and especially the perfect temperature.
Kel practically hopped over this one. Darned fine work, especially for a 68 year old!
The trail doesn’t go to the actual summit but the final ¼ mile off trail is through sloping flower-strewn meadows so is a delight. The summit is a ridge with spectacular views of a ridge on the far west end of the Goat Rocks as well as Adams and St. Helens. Rainier is easily viewed but somewhat obstructed through the trees.
This is the view from the northeast side of the summit. On the left is Johnson Peak and the pointy one in the right center is Hawkeye Point. The Goat Rocks are hidden behind this ridge.
No clue on why the mountain is/was angry. With views like that, it should be Happy Mt.
A few more photos:
Evidence of recent large log removal:
The map:
dn
I appreciate all your contributions to local hiking knowledge, Don.
