Mt Waumbek: 4k footer #3 of 2019: May 11th

Eric is on Vacation this week, my college age employee has returned for the summer, and THUS we are planning a hiking binge.

We scored a decent day on Saturday, so headed off to conquer Mt Waumbek, another new mountain for all 3 of us.

Parking was straightforward, up a short dirt road that went behind several large, newer looking homes that obviously love the front yard view (all mountain, all direction.) I imagine during winter this parking lot is inaccessible (I checked- it is, but you can park out on the "main" road.) The trail head is very obvious and easy to find. On this day, plenty of parking. Summer? Who knows.

Not hidden

The trail (Starr King Trail) started off muddy, and alternated between wet conditions, and conditions that were rather surprisingly dry given the mess of a winter and spring.

Hi Ellen

The extremely well marked and pleasant trail was clearly a popular destination for early season hikers, and we met several on their decent (we seem to be doing a lot of mid-afternoon hiking due to my work schedule, and late sunset!) We were warned early on about "a lot of snow up top" which didn't worry us, because we had traction (and skills...?)

Nice dry woods with a hidden view

We found the first trace of snow at mile 1.25, and gave up and applied micro spikes at 1.75.

The first signs of snow. Ellie couldn't care less. 

The monorail was narrow in places, but in very good condition. A couple post holes, but we managed to remain upright and unscathed. It was a chilly afternoon, which contributed to the stability.

Post hole proof

This trail might frighten a novice 4k foot hiker, because it is longer than some (7 miles round trip according to The Book. slightly shorter according to GPS.)
HOWEVER.
I would really highly recommend it. The incline is never extreme, and from what we could tell (under some snow) the trail is very forgiving. No fiddly technical bits. No stream or river crossings. All below treeline, so weather is somewhat less of a concern (clearly, one should always be mindful.)

At mile 2.5 you summit Mt. Starr King, which was a nice surprise on this particular day.

Mt Starr King

The sun was out, the view was great, and there is some lovely old stonework which is all that remains of an old cabin. Also, if this was the hike you chose for your first 4k, and had concerns about continuing, this would be a good turnaround point after the reward of a nice view!

I bet it was a fancy cabin

The summit of Waumbek is a mile past Starr King, and doesn't have very much additional incline to handle. (Mostly a rolling trail from this point.)

We certainly did NOT encounter the "lots" of snow that we had been cautioned against, at any point. Actually, rather the opposite. While we kept traction on, for convenience, the trail oscillated between snow and dirt multiple times (and rapidly, see photo below for evidence.)

Confused

Don't get too excited about the summit. You will NOT be standing on the top of the world!

But you can crouch with your dog!

Hike a bit farther (like, 10 steps) and there is a big blowdown that offers some really nice scenery.

This is nice

It was really a pleasant, and quiet day on the mountain, and the nice sunshine kept us happy at the top for a few minutes.

The decent was similar to the climb. User friendly, uncomplicated, decent conditions. Really, a very pleasant hike and one that I would very highly recommend for a first timer (or anyone actually. there is nothing not to like about a pleasant trail!)

So guys. Bottom line- you can not beat this trail if you just want a lovely hike, in a lovely forest, with some nice views. You're not going to get *extreme rock scrambling river crossing technical chaos danger omg omg* But you will have a really fun time. We did.

Done!

Oh, and Ellie missed the final photo because she jumped in the car and went to bed!

I AM NOT TIRED MOMMMMMM

Stats:

Total elevation: 4008 (another squeaker!)

Strava data: (we take this with a grain of salt) 
-elevation climbed: 2,793
-miles covered: 6.83 (book has it at 7+)
-elapsed time: 3:53, which includes breaks. (book: 5) 

Difficulty: Easy due to lack of technical/steep trail, trail well marked, lack of above treeline danger. Nothing fussy about this mountain- not even a river crossing to mess with. At 7ish miles, you clearly need to have spent some time on your feet, and should have hit some smaller mountains before attempting. 

Views: Limited, but two summits equaled two views which was fun

Bugs: None NONE!!!

Dog friendly trail? Absolutely. This is a great trail for the 4 legged friends.