After about a year’s wait, I finally had the opportunity to hike Mt. Pilchuck and it was truly the most beautiful hike I have ever been on. The popular hike’s famous panoramic lookout at the top of the mountain was absolutely breathtaking and totally worth the intense bouldering (and waking up at 4am).
After the intense struggle of bouldering and feeling like the most obese person ever, getting to the top above the clouds felt like being on top of the world. Walking around the entirety of the lookout was really cool with just how much of the state you could see on top of one peak. Looking to the left to see Mt. Rainier, to the right to see Mt. Baker, and straight ahead to see the tips of the Olympic Mountains and parts of the San Juan Islands underneath the clouds, it was a feeling like no other.
I will admit that having a slight fear of heights isn’t exactly icing on top of a cake while wandering around the lookout, but staring out at the panoramic view takes it all away and you sort of let go and forget about it. Thinking about anything else besides how high up you are makes it all the more enjoyable.
It was the ideal summer day to spend exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and hiking one of my top summer bucket list hikes. For those who haven’t had the chance to hike Mt. Pilchuck, it’s practically obligatory for Washingtonians and definitely worth every second.
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