Great hike with some fun switchbacks traversing a steep climb. Plan on 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the ascent. An hour for the highly fit. View on top is spectacular with the central Cascades well presented.
The city of Leavenworth and its Bavarian downtown are in good view with the agricultural valley bisected by the winding river in the distance.
I recommend a very early start to beat the crowds and to have the top to yourself or shared with just a few other like-minded explorers.
The descent is of course the harsher trip as it is easy to forget the impact force on your joints. Some parts of the path are narrow and you will be on the downhill side so exercise caution when passing others.
Don't forget to pause and look and listen as you go up and down to varied flora and fauna that changes both with elevation and light/shade. Great photo opportunities everywhere.
Happy hiking.
All USA
Great hike with some fun switchbacks traversing a steep climb. Plan on 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the ascent. An hour for the highly fit. View on top is spectacular with the central Cascades well presented. The city of Leavenworth and its Bavarian downtown are in good view with the agricultural valley bisected by the winding river in the distance. I recommend a very early start to beat the crowds and to have the top to yourself or shared with just a few other like-minded explorers. The descent is of course the harsher trip as it is easy to forget the impact force on your joints. Some parts of the path are narrow and you will be on the downhill side so exercise caution when passing others. Don't forget to pause and look and listen as you go up and down to varied flora and fauna that changes both with elevation and light/shade. Great photo opportunities everywhere. Happy hiking.