Pyramid Mountain cures those winter-hiking blues

MomSeattle · Pets · SPI · MySeattlePix · My account

Local

US/World

Sports

Business

A&E

Life

Comics

Photos

Opinion

Blogs

Buy Ads

Jobs

Autos

Homes

Rentals

NWsource

Getaways

February 12, 1998

Pyramid Mountain cures those winter-hiking blues

By KAREN SYKES
SPECIAL TO THE POST-INTELLIGENCER

As soon as the Christmas tree comes down I experience a raging case of spring fever, even as avalanches close Interstate 90 and the high trails are buried under snow. Fantasies of summer meadows keep me going and, thankfully, there are mountains that are often snow-free and can be climbed in winter.

The Olympic Mountains offer several mostly snow-free enticements. Pyramid Mountain above Lake Crescent is one. When there is snow, it may merely be a brief dusting, or old snow well-trodden by other hikers, but you will need to be in good condition for this 2,400-foot climb.

You'll move through second-growth and old-growth forests where madronas grow among the conifers, with occasional views down to the lake. You'll hike through a rocky area and cross June Creek, which flows underground part of the year.

Unfortunately you'll also have views of a clearcut on the north slope that reaches to the ridge crest, but look beyond it to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.

As you approach the top, you'll hike through thinning undergrowth and big trees before reaching an open slope and the summit lookout cabin, which was used during World War II by observers watching for enemy aircraft. The view from the 3,050-foot-high point is worthy. Waves of ridges recede into thedistance; Mount Storm King is visible to the east, Aurora Ridge is to the south.

The trail is probably snow-free now, according to a ranger, but there may be a washout about a third of the way up, in an area that frequently washes out in the winter. Should this be the case, experienced hikers will do fine, but novices or families with small children should turn back.

If it is too exposed or scary, turn around and choose another hike nearby -- the Spruce Railroad Trail, Barnes Creek, Mount Storm King or Marymere Falls.

Map Getting there
Drive U.S. Highway 101 to the west end of Lake Crescent to the Camp David Jr. Road. Turn right and drive 1.6 miles to the North Shore picnic area and look for the trailhead at a signpost on the main road.

Trail detail
The trail begins at an elevation of 700 feet and climbs through a variety of forest environments interspersed with open areas and views down to Lake Crescent.

At 1.5 miles the trail crosses June Creek, which flows underground in fall and late summer. The route then crosses another stream before reaching a clearing where you might want to take a break and savor the views. Next, the trail switchbacks steeply to the divide west of the mountain and the very unpoetic clearcut. The trail climbs a bit farther before ascending the north slope of Pyramid Mountain through a dark forest of hemlock and red cedar.

It then climbs to a series of false summits before reaching a saddle with views to the south. Nearby is the lookout and more views. Plan to spend some time, but be careful of the steep northern and eastern sides of the mountain.

Trail data
The hike is seven miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet.