This is the perfect winter hike for people unafraid of elevation gain, have microspikes and are adults. The winter wind can get a bit harsh, but the people are friendly. This is not a child’s hike. We saw quite a few children with their parents falling over the ice and snow only on the way to the trail head. Tears were shed. Keep the kiddos at home or get them a pair of their own microspikes. This was also not a place for snowshoeing. The temperature rises and decreases too much. You are essentially walking on ice; snow shoes and tracking poles are too cumbersome for the trip. Essentially, this is a rave review of microspikes, but we had a great time running the Mount Washington Trail with them!
E E.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 North Bend, WA
Best secret mountain top hike. Everyone does Mt Si. This is equivalent but less people.
Jeff S.
Évaluation du lieu : 3 Seattle, WA
Total Ascent: 3400ft Highest Point: 4420ft Total Distance: 8.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate This trail seems like a secret for a number of reasons. The property it crosses is owned by three different agencies so even finding a Washington Trail Association review on this hike is hard. Also finding the trail can be a bit of a pain. Hop on I-90 and get off at Exit 38 after North Bend and head right. Almost immediately, take a right onto a gravel road to the Upper Twin Falls Trailhead. Walk up from the parking lot to a gravel road(the iron horse trail) and go right. Follow the gravel road for about 100 feet, maybe less, and a little trail hard to see trail should be on your left. Sometimes hikers will mark it with a pile of stones but you can’t rely on it. This hike is the reverse of a normal hike in that the hardest part is the beginning. After about 2 – 3 miles its gets flatter and easier. There are a few waterfalls and some fun view spots. You break the tree line pretty much at the top of the mountain for a great view of alpine lakes(Cedar River Watershed) and Mt Rainer. This hike isn’t that difficult, easier that Mt Si is my opinion but a little longer. I’d bring 2 liters of water and a snack. There is a large part of small rocks so hiking boots are definitely recommended. As it’s not that high in elevation this hike tends to stay snow free for a much longer than other hikes.
