Mt. Peak

Pinnacle Peak Park is located in Enumclaw a short 25 minutes from our home.  Called "Mt. Peak" by the locals, it is a popular hike in South King County, especially for those who are training to climb Mt. Rainier.  Pongo and I discovered this trail four years ago, and it has become a favorite since it is an easy one to fit into a busy weekend.  We often hike it year round, even in the winter when the trail is covered with snow.  Last summer, we regularly climbed it 1-2 times a week.  However, this year, we hadn't been there since March and we missed it.

On Tuesday, it was my wedding anniversary and my husband and I were planning to spend the day together.  But I wanted to get a quick hike in with Pongo in the morning, so we headed to Mt. Peak.  The mountain is a 256-acre of volcanic rock that juts out of the surrounding farmland.  We got there around 7:30 am and there were already seven or eight cars parked on the side of the road.  We said good morning to two women who were just finishing their hike, having already been to the top and come back down.  I turned the stop watch on on my runner's watch.  Pongo and I used to hike Mt. Peak with a friend of mine whose husband would run up the trail while we hiked.  Then we would run on the way down, trying to make the round trip in an hour.  I knew I wouldn't be able to make it in an hour today, but I wanted to see how long it would take. 

The forested trail is one-mile long, climbing 1000 vertical feet to an 1800-foot knob. Near the top you see some columnar basalt.  It is well-traveled - a popular family trail where you will encounter hikers with dogs or trail runners.  Half-way up, there is a bench to rest on, courtesy of the local Boy Scouts Troop. 

When we started up, it was overcast and cool. I put on my pack - more for added weight than anything else - and used the trekking poles my husband bought me one Christmas.  I enjoy using the poles for added balance and for the added arm workout. They have proved to be helpful when I have, at times, slipped on the way down.

 Pongo pauses on the trail ahead of me.  Maybe it was my imagination, but it seemed as though we were both moving a lot slower up the hill than normal.  Maybe I am more aware of him slowing down with age, but he seemed to walk or trot, instead of bounding up the side of the mountain.

 The first half of the trail is always difficult for me because of the swift climb in elevation. But it is worth it once you get to the top.

  

There are benches at the top in a small alcove in the trees.  You can sit to rest, drink some water, or eat a snack. We never linger here long.  In Pongo's younger years, he would have jumped up on this bench, but he was posed for this picture and is contemplating getting down.

 After a water break and a few pictures, we headed down the hill at a trot.  We stopped to look out between the foliage where you can see views of the White River Valley. 

Then phone in my pocket, I started running again. Pongo seems to love it when I begin to run - he likes the faster pace.  He will stop to sniff and fall behind, then have to run to catch up. 

We made it off the mountain in an hour and twenty-five minutes - not bad considering I was taking pictures for the blog.

Here is a blissfully happy Pongo on the car ride home!  This is what it's all about!  Now with a tired dog at home, I could enjoy the rest of the day with my husband!

Happy Hiking!