Field trip: Winter Hiking Series: I-90 Alley
Winter Hiking Series: I-90 Alley January Hikes - Hugo Peak & Windy Ridge
Trip initially open to Winter Hiking Series students. Trip will open for registration to all Mountaineers 7 to 10 days prior to the hike date. Hugo Peak is short and steep along a wonderful forest trail complete with a lookout over Eatonville. Part of the UW experimental forest, we'll continue travel to Kirkland Pass and up Windy Ridge for a view and perfect lunch spot.
Contacts
- Wed, Jan 14, 2026
- Tacoma Hiking & Backpacking Committee
- Day Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Moderate
- Mileage: 7.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,700 ft
- Pace: 2.0-2.2 mph
- 6 (6 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Wed, Jan 7, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
TRIP DETAILS: The plan is to be ready to hike at 10:00 am, give introductions then hike up to Hugo Peak have a snack and a short break then proceed to a beautiful Rainier view point across Windy Ridge.
We should return to the cars about 3 pm. Weather will dictate the view.
LUNCH WATER: Bring a lunch, snack and at least 1.5L water.
WEATHER FORECAST: Rain Gear? Check before leaving the house.
ADDITIONAL GEAR: Trekking poles recommended. Micro-spikes required.
We will meet at 10:00 am ready to go at the TH for Hugo Peak which is located at the gatehouse at the entrance to Pack Forest on Hwy 7 in Eatonville. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JRotkppMsNnrxxhCA Parking is limited at the TH so carpooling is encouraged. Additional parking can be found in the adjacent parking lot for trailers just past the TH about 1/4 mile to the left from the entrance. Please give yourself a bit more time to find parking and allow for the additional time to walk back to the TH.
PASS: None
CARPOOL: Please reach out to each other a few days prior to the hike.
DIRECTIONS: Drive Hwy 161 to Eatonville. Make a right at the traffic light and proceed one block. Make a left onto Mashell Ave and follow Mashell Ave/Hwy 161 for three miles to stop sign. Turn left onto Hwy 7. The entrance to UW Pack Forest is .3 miles down Hwy 7 on the left. The trailhead for Hugo Peak is at the entrance.
BATHROOMS: Portable bathrooms are located at the Pack Forest conference center parking .5 from the entrance.
Required Equipment
Ten Essentials PLUS microspikes; trekking poles recommended.