[Bryan K]

After many years of wanting to do this hike I finally got around to it. The 3+ mile road walk was mostly to blame for my percrastination. I left home early with my bike in the back and had hopes of getting through the Nisqually gate before NPS Rangers collected the $30 daily fee. Wouldn't you know that I got there at 7:02am, I guessed he started only 2 minutes prior...... I drove up the road about 2-3 miles before parking and unloading my bike. Even with a bike I still dreaded this road since I had a feeling it'd be a gradual incline the entire way.

Gobblers Knob

Gobblers Knob

The Kautz Creek raged near the road as I neared it at one point.

Gobblers Knob

After many "mini" breaks I finally made it to Round Pass and my TH. The NPS has installed a bike rack with a metal bar for securing with a lock....of which I forgot at home. A prayer would have to suffice to keep my bike in place. I will say that I didn't see any reason this road couldn't be re-opened to vehicular traffic as there were signs of traffic from NPS vehicles. Once on the trail it felt good to once again be back in my favorite NP. I know that many people consider MRNP their favorite and everybody has their reasoning. I've visited many NP's around the country but none so far match the beauty and diversity that I always find here.

Gobblers Knob

Gobblers Knob

Only a mile on the trail and I came up to Lake George and it's pristine water. I went to the shelter and took a short nap (I must be getting old!)

Gobblers Knob

Gobblers Knob

about 20 minutes later I re-hit the trail and soon was at the junction for Goat Lake (USFS land). From here it's about .4 mile to the lookout.

Gobblers Knob

Gobblers Knob

I was afforded a quick sucker hole of blue sky and I had hopes for some views at the summit.

Gobblers Knob

Getting nearer I saw that the sucker hole had in fact suckered me right in, there were clouds everywhere the eyes could see.

Gobblers Knob

Gobblers Knob

Gobblers Knob

I ate my lunch then laid down on the catwalk around 10:30, I awoke around 12:30 I knew I was tired, but I napped longer than it took me to ascend the lookout!!!!! On my way up I had only encountered one man and one woman going to different places. He to Klapatche and she to Emerald Ridge. On my way back down I met the masses. I must have passed about 12 people! I was sure glad that I got up to the lookout when I did and got the peace and solitude that I've always been accustomed to. The hike down was otherwise uneventful and back at the trailhead I found my bike as well as about half a dozen more, all with locks. I put on my biking shoes and prepared for a quick descent. What took over an hour to ascend took only 15 minutes to descend. At one point I reached speeds of 30 mph on a loose gravel road, not conditions to have a wipeout!! Back a the car the parking area was very full. Anyway, a great day to be out in the Great PNW and enjoy the beauty of our beautiful backyard park.

Gobblers Knob

[Ski]

well done!