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Little Mountain boasts some steep elevation gains.

As soon as you step out of the rig, up you go.

The trail this time of the year is muddy, leaf-strewn and slick. So watch the footing.

Trails crisscross the flanks of Little Mountain. The main one is the one most trodden.
It's up, up, up and up some more. It will level out momentarily, even dip, then it's back up.
In about a half mile, the first of several switchbacks is met. After a hairpin left, there is a very steep section of trail.
While plotting the next section and catching your breath make sure to take in the beautiful surroundings. There is plenty of old-growth trees, both standing and toppled among the ferns.
Several sections of the trail are bordered with downed logs. Use them for handholds.

Midway up, a fallen tree obstructs the trail. If one is nimble, it can be limboed. However, if such exploits are not your speciality, look for a short detour off to the right.

The next section of trail is extremely steep. It leads up and to the right of a massive stump that seems to stand guard over a stretch that includes several switchbacks.

The trail seemingly ends at what appears to have been an old roadbed. Head right. The trail soon returns to single track.

A rock face is avoided by climbing to the left.

Looking through gaps in the canopy, Mount Vernon eastward can be viewed.

The trail dumps into a clear cut. The land has been cleared for a new viewpoint offering spectacular views of the Skagit Valley, San Juan Islands and, on a clear day, Mount Baker. It's an overlook of green squares and water.

Walk up the road to the main viewpoint and take in the eye-popping panorama.

Pick up the trail again where the pavement ends behind the main viewpoint. At a maintenance road, go right and look for an obvious trail that dives left. Take it.

The way down can be confusing. Trails run this way and that. Pick the most trodden.

If you have chosen wisely, the trail will eventually parallel the road and reach a sign reading "No Bikes."

From here, the trail meanders down and ends at Hickox Road.

To return to the rig, simply walk the half mile down the road.

Distance: 2.5 miles

Destination: Top of Little Mountain and back

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 934 feet

Getting there: Heading east on Blackburn Road in south Mount Vernon, turn on Little Mountain Road. The entrance to Little Mountain Park will be off to the right.

If you go: Parking for this hike is scarce. The prime location is at the trailhead, just before the park's main gate. There's another small spot just behind the park's sign. Look for the "Hikers Only" metal sign that marks the beginning of the trail.