Hike up into the forest (take the right path, not the one going left), and follow it all the way until you get to "Carpenter Lake" (which always seems to be just an empty, marshy field). Keep going and do not take the right path at the first Y split off. Instead, stay left, until you come to another Y. Here is where you want to stay right and follow the path as it continues to slowly gain elevation up Table Mountain.

Stay on the path, and eventually you will cross over a small creek. Shortly after that crossing, you will come to a covered signpost. This is where the hike becomes grueling. You will gain 700 feet elevation in 0.5 miles as you hike up the trail. After that, you'll climb up a decently steep talus scramble before again switchbacking towards the summit.

Since this trail uses part of the PCT, there are numerous places to camp. However, if you do camp, be sure to hang up your food to prevent any little rodents from gnawing a hole in your pack!

When you get back to the trailhead, jump in your car and head back the way you came until you arrive at intersection with I-14. Take a left and head east along I-14 until you arrive in the friendly town of Stevenson, Washington. Grab a nice brew and a tasty bite to eat at the Walking Man Brewery & Public House and tell the gang some tales from your adventure!

• If you opt to do this hike in the winter, head out in the early afternoon when the clouds are slowly descending and bring a jacket (this was when the photos above were taken). As tempting as it might be to stay and watch the sunset, only do so if you are equipped for either an overnight stay on the mountain or are prepared for a lengthy 4 mile descent in the dark.