Weather forecast was for warm winter day with clear skies. I decided to return to Mount Storm King and try the ropes (at the end of the "official" trail, up to a narrow ridge over looking Lake Crescent with some like minded adventurous women.
I think this is Mount Storm King with our destination.
The trail starts at the Ranger Station and goes through this tunnel under Hwy 101 (looking back towards Lake Crescent)
After 0.5 miles of a flat forest trail, the Mount Storm King Trails splits off at this boulder from the trail towards Merymere Falls.
A series of steep switchbacks climb up to Mount Storm King through a beautiful forest.
The next 0.5 mile continues upward through the forest along some narrow sections, climbing another 400 ft or so.
As the trail climbs, there are less trees, as you head up at an open area
here the views open up and you can see the west end of Lake Crescent. I hadn't realized this, as the low clouds had obscured this view of the lake last month when I was here. This is about where the "official" trail ends. A good place to stop and turn around if you do not want to scramble.
along the rocks to a view of the ledge above and then to a series of ropes (that are not installed by the national park service).
I didn't feel comfortable taking out my phone for a photo until I was headed up the last roped. There was no mud nor icy, but the trail was dry with loose rocks.
This ledge with the fabulous view, was a bit longer and narrow than I had imagined. Here I am halfway along, sitting on a rise in the middle, wondering if I'd be satisfied stopping here, or should I continue.
The true summit of Mount Storm King is behind me, there is no access from this ledge. There is a bushwhacking trail up there from the other side of the mountain.
And then it was time to return, I opted to "scoot" back along the ridge toward the ropes.
interesting trees along the way.
Back through the tunnel to Lake Crescent and our cars.
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