Also known as the hardest hike I've done to date.
I'm an average to below average fitness level hiker. That means I exercise but sporadically and get out on hikes once every couple months. Here's my honest review of King Creek Ridge from that viewpoint.
It took me a total of 5 hrs 40 mins, tough ascent and very difficult descent (steep, loose rocks, combo of hard packed and soft dirt). You absolutely need poles unless you're an experienced hiker with very spry knees.
It was hard to find trailhead. From parking lot, I went back to highway, turned right and looked for footpath. There is no official trailhead sign. And at top, look for signs that other hikers to leave so you know to turn LEFT. We saw a big wooden arrow, and a couple rocks with writing on it.
There are truly stunning views from the top ridge! Pictures hit this point home better than words will, and I read this often in the AllTrail reports online. Everyone was right on this.
I wouldn't recommend this hike unless you've done a few hikes in the area before, or for those not used to steep descents, or people without the right footwear. I saw a lot of folks struggling on this one, and I did too!
The good:
Clear path the whole way (aside from the trailhead and the path to get to the ridge, so look for signs around you when the elevation seems to have leveled off)
Stunning views. Best I've ever seen!
Easy to access (right off of Hwy 40)
Good challenge day hike
Who I wouldn't recommend this hike for:
People who haven't done hikes in the area before
People without bear spray. We stayed away from this hike in the early summer because the trail reports mentioned often of a grizzly sighting, and that there was one that lived in that territory
People without the right footwear
People who aren't comfortable with steep descents
The ugly:
I wore the wrong shoes and my feet were killing at the end
I'm not good at descents and spent a LOT of time butt scooting down (looks like this)
Frankly, this was beyond my fitness level. My left leg seized up after the hike and didn't really release until 4 days later. Walking was super difficult for me for days after I did this and I regret not taking post-hike stretching and resting more seriously. Would I do this hike again? Yes, but in the winter. And here's why.
I'm more comfortable and experienced with a combination of steep incline + hiking boots + spikes + snow than I am with the summer version (steep incline + less than adequate summer hiking boots + spikes + slippery gravel). I'd also like time to physically train my legs more for this one, start it earlier in the day, and go by myself to really be in charge of the pace.
It was a hike I've had on the list for ages and I am so happy to have done it!
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