As you reach the summit at Persis, you’ll be rewarded with views of Index, Baker, the Olympics, and Rainier. But don't let the mileage fool you, this hike and scramble takes longer than you think.
There isn’t a clearly designated trail to start this scramble/hike. Look for the trail that more resembles a boot path. The trail won’t be well marked, but there might be some orange tape or markers to help you find your way.
During the first mile of the hike, you’ll see the most elevation gain, so be prepared to get into it right from the start. Once you reach the ridge, the trail will level out a bit. Be prepared for the snow as it can start in the second mile once you reach ~4,500 feet. If there’s snow covering the trail, or a chance of bad weather, it may be best to bring a compass and map with you to help you head in the right direction.
As you keep heading uphill, the trees eventually thin out and you can continue on open terrain as you head up the back of Persis to the summit.
Once you've had plenty of time to recover and enjoy the views, and you decide to head back down, be careful and take your time getting down as the rocks can be pretty slick.
If you're a little spent after the hike, hit up Espresso Chalet to refuel.