Mt Pugh, who knew?

Hike Name: Mt Pugh (to Stujack Pass this time) (click here for forest service description)
Round-Trip Distance: 7.4 (to the Pass) 11 miles (to top)
Elevation Gain: 5300 ft
Season: July-Oct
Difficulty: taxing but not too bad
Forest: Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (click here for current conditions)
Contact: Verlot Public Service Center (360) 691-7791
Map: Green Trails # 111
Directions: (from Darrington end) take the Mtn Loop Highway 12.4 miles. Turn left at Forest Service Road 2095 and continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead.

Nate and I only had one day off together, so we decided to drive out to the Mountain Loop again and explore some more. We were able to leave Seattle the evening prior, just because we wanted to camp outdoors before our hike the next day. There are quite a few lovely campgrounds along the Mountain Loop in which to camp, so we picked one not too far from the Verlot Public Service Center. We paid $18 I believe, but had a wonderful site by a creek and weren't bothered by other campers at all.

Then the next morning, we drove around the mountain loop (towards Darrington), stopping many times to take pictures of the peaks and the rivers, until we reached the trailhead to Mt Pugh. The ranger station had told us that this trail was snow-free up to Stujack Pass, and that even from the Pass, it was worth the hike (for the views!) Very few cars at the trailhead. Only saw 5 people all day - all of them looked to be over 55 yrs old, which always makes me happy (I hope I'm doing an awesome hike at that age.)

This hike was quite a bit more taxing than Nate's previous hike (Lake 22). Perhaps I threw him into the gauntlet a little too early! The trail climbs, climbs, climbs through forest, with many switchbacks, until finally breaking through trees and onto sunny hillside and talus slopes (elevation 4900 ft). For those not used to hiking on the steep sides of mountains, looking down can be a little frightening. Nate wished he had proper boots and a walking stick, so that he could better steady himself. But the views were AMAZING in all directions, and the wildflowers were gloriously starting to bloom! Lupin, paintbrush, columbine, etc. Amazing views of Sloan peak, Whitehorse and Three fingers, and (at Stujack Pass) Glacier Peak and Mt Baker. Absolutely wonderful hike! Stujack Pass is at 5750 ft.

We saw a few campsites at the area where the hike breaks out of the trees, perhaps a mile from Stujack Pass. But we did this as a day hike.

Gorgeous weather - a little breezy and chilly at the Pass. And lots of snow continuing from the pass (so I did not continue up Mt Pugh). Not a great hike for a total beginner, but for experienced hikers this is a wonderful day hike. And later in the season I'm sure you could continue up to Mt Pugh with less snow to deal with. But the views are still worth it.

Not much water access, so take plenty. You do pass a somewhat stagnant lake about 1.5 miles into the trail. I did get some water there on the way down (used my filter), and it didn't taste too fresh!

We didn't have any bugs! Make sure to use sunscreen. And prepare to burn calories, this is a good workout!