Day Hike - Lake Sylvia State Park/Montesano City Forest

Don’t worry – there’s no course fee to pay or minimum number of hikes to complete! “Weighted Wednesday” is a nickname that the Tacoma Branch came up with to describe hiking under weight to keep in shape during the offseason. I’m liberally borrowing the phrase for these 16 weeks and welcoming club members and guests to join me as I train for two endurance events in Spring 2026 – the GWOT 100 and the Big Climb. I’ve formed Weighted Wednesday Walker teams for both events and would be glad if you can join, but it’s certainly not a requirement for joining these trips.  

That said, please note that these are dayhikes with an emphasis on conditioning, and not stop-and-smell-the-flowers or take-in-the-view trips. You should be an experienced hiker comfortable traveling at an average of 2.25 mph pace over long distances. You are welcome (not required) to carry extra weight in your daypack – milk jugs filled with water, dumbbells, iron plates, small sandbags, etc. – in addition to your Ten Essentials. There will be fewer breaks as well, so ideally you can access your water without removing your pack. 

For this trip we will hike the Lake Trail a short distance to the Brownie Trail Trailhead, then do long hill repeats for 2 hours (or until everyone’s had enough!) before returning to the parking area, for a total of 8-ish miles and 2,500-ish feet of gain.

We will meet at 8:00 am at the Day Use & Picnic Area. Carpooling is encouraged. Drivers are required to display a Discover Pass, and there is a kiosk for day passes. There are flush toilets near the parking area but they may be closed for the winter. We will hike rain or shine, but heavy snow at my home or the destination will cancel.