This weekend I hiked to the Kloshe Nanitch fire lookout. Kloshe Nanitch is a Chinook phrase which means "stands guard" and the peak is very appropriately named. From the site of the former fire lookout, one could 'stand guard' over the entire range, as you would be able to spot a fire just about anywhere within the range.
Cool facts aside, this was the first of our more challenging conditioning hikes. At roughly 3.5 miles in, we had gained 2200 feet in elevation, which is enough to challenge your conditioning. The trail met us with varying degrees of steepness ... from moderate to dig-in-your-toes steep. There was a rustic footbridge over a cascading stream, which had to be, I think, the only level spot on the entire trail! The understory was thick with salal, ferns and small huckleberry bushes just leafing out. The trail switchbacked its way up the peak through thick stands of trees and at times was almost choked from view by the salal. We took time out from our steady climb to marvel at the sights, smells and sounds of the forest, the light as it filtered through the upper canopy, and the explosion of color - every shade of green imaginable was present. Two grouse called to each other, grump-grump-grumping up and down the hillside. Midway was an overlook that teased us with the awe-inspiring view that awaited us at the top.
I felt good about my conditioning as we climbed up this trail. There were times I was winded, but for the most part, I could tell my at-home conditioning was helping. This trail didn't offer many breaks from the ascent - even the switchbacks were sometimes steep - but my legs carried me with little difficulty. I could feel the workout in my quads and calves, but not in a bad way.
At the top we took in the sweeping view of the Olympic range. You can see Lake Crescent, the Sol Duc River, and the southwestern facing glaciers of Mt Olympus. It was amazing, to say the least, and I will likely never find the words to properly do the view justice. We ate lunch and rested before heading back down the trail. It was the descent that got me. I did well for about the first mile. From there, I struggled more and more with each step. With Mt St Helens a mere 20 weeks away, I am going to have to add squats to my at-home conditioning and am researching other exercises I can do to help build the muscles I need to ensure an enjoyable mountain experience.
I would like to mention that, for those not in the condition to hike this trail, there is a road to the lookout, although it doesn't seem to get much traffic.
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2200 ft.
