5 miles of hiking • 2500' elevation gain •
I had originally set out to do the Kings Mt./Elk Mt. Loop of 11 miles. However, after hiking 9 miles the day before on 3 hours of sleep, my body rebelled big time! I made the decision half-way up Kings Mt. that I was just going to the summit and back. It made more sense than doing something unsafe, like hiking while exhausted. That's just a recipe for disaster, especially considering I was hiking solo.
I started at 8:40a, and made good time on the first mile and took a short break on a nice log. The wind had been blowing something fierce and there were a few times I thought a tree was going to come right down on top of me! I dodged a few small branches here and there, and also tried to clear the trail of debris that had fallen before me. I continued up and up and up and up...stopped at the view point and took some photos. It was such a beautiful day, I really just enjoyed being outside.
Once I made it to the picnic table that is about 1/4 mile from the summit, I took a quick break before continuing up, up and more up. I finally made it the summit and took it all in. I could see Mt. Hood in the distance and I was also able to make out the ocean. What an amazing day! Clear, blue skies with a nice breeze blowing. I descended to the picnic table and started eating my lunch and took a short nap, basking in the sun.
The trail down seemed a lot more treacherous than going up! I slipped a few times (wearing trail runners, not boots) and almost bit it on a particularly steep portion. I made it back to the car by 1:30p, with plenty of time to drive home and get a nap in before some evening plans I had. I can't wait to get back out here to explore even more.
