Mt. Walker

Mt. Walker

This is a short, challenging hike through salal, wild rhododendrons, and Douglas Fir. You can drive up to the top spring through fall, but the road is closed during the winter. The trail is in great shape and offers a brisk little workout. My brother-in-law and I hiked this on a cool, clear day just after New Year's. We hit snow about halfway up and wished we'd brought more than walking sticks. Those with traction devices zoomed right on past us.

The views were spectacular. From the north-facing viewpoint: the Olympics, Mt. Baker, Quilcene Bay, the lighthouse at Fort Worden, and even the plume from the paper mill outside Port Townsend. From the south-facing viewpoint: the volcanoes (Rainier, Adams, St. Helens), Hood Canal, and downtown Seattle.

Photo by David Santerre.