Mt. Pilchuck is a relatively easy hike (3.5 miles each way) with a massive award at the end (Mother nature dependent) You start off the hike around 3400 feet, so once you reach the top you are standing at approximately 5600 feet which is just enough height to bring you up through the clouds and standing high above them. You feel like you are in an airplane minus the uncomfortableness and cramped space. Most people seemed to be disappointed with the clouds, but after sitting and watching them for an hour you realize how swift moving, ever changing and mesmerizing they truly are.
The Mt. Pilchuck Lookout is not a good place for the clumsy nor people afraid of heights. You climb over large boulders and then a ladder to reach its platform.
Rather astutely, Cameron pointed out how Ansel Adams these photos look, well thank you very much.
There were brief interludes of the clouds momentarily parting to catch a glimpse of Mt. Rainier. For those less patient, they had already headed back down, shame on them.
I was not in love with the hike up because there was a lot of climbing over things and it felt like walking up a dried river bed instead of on a trail. Once we were up there I quickly changed my mind and decided I would come back here in a heartbeat to see what Mother Nature had in store for us. On a clear day you can see the San Juan Islands, Olympics, Mt. Rainier and just about anything else you would want.