Hello Pilchuck, my old friend

7/6/2025 Mount Pilchuck

I got a rare late start when I decided last minute to hike Mount Pilchuck. When my wife asked me why I wasn't hiking today, I took that as a request. I have become very good at rounding up my hiking gear quickly, so I was on my way in just a few minutes.

As expected, there where lots of people being a sunny holiday weekend, but I was still able to find parking.

This was my first time this year hiking this favorite, which is only open for about four or five months a year. For a shorter hike, it packs a lot, and the views are hard to beat. I'll be back again.

The trail opens up at the boulder field, the former site of the ski runs. You can even see the lookout at the top of the mountain.

On a clear day, the 360-degree vantagepoint afford views of Mount Baker, Rainier, and the Olympics. However, the closest volcanic peak, and the clearest of this day is Glacier Peak.

One of my favorite resting spots on a hike is sitting on the north side of the lookout with my feet hanging over the edge, looking through the safety of the railing. From here, you can see dozens of peaks, including Mount Baker and Shuksan. The picture below was taken looking down from my resting spot. The first time I hike Pilchuck, maybe twenty years ago, I saw a mountain goat is this area below, but I have not seen any since.