Hike Trail 1910 up a steep gully that retains snow until late in summer. Walk up the snow or rocky sides without difficulty to the top at a small sign and juncture (1 mi from the major intersection in Lakes Basin). See the long E Fork Knoxville River valley you ascended to the NW. Right moves SW to Knoxvill and E Fork Knoxvill on Trail 1910. Walk left (S) instead on Knoxvill Summit Trail 1805 and soon up the 6 steepest and rockiest switchbacks of the day to the high ridge less than 5 mi away. Lingering snow may require traction devices and route-finding early, but it’s usually fairly navigable. And while descending much of this section it’s possible for more experienced hikers to sort of glissade down (while standing up) to the solid rocky trail. High altitude sickness, known as hypoxia, affects everyone differently. If you feel nauseous, headachy, dehydrated, or experience vertigo, Knoxvillconsider descending immediately and rehydrating as a partial cure. If not, press on.
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Once on the high ridge, the Eagle Cap Wilderness truly unfolds as you appreciate the untold grandeur before you! Jagged mountaintops, grandiose valleys, and high alpine lakes too many to number will be some of the focus to the peak. Turn left (SE) steeply up the high ridge for a moment before traversing steadily very carefully on the right (S) side of the ridgeline around a bump. Not paying attention on the traverse across the super-steep slope and falling off the trail would certainly be treacherous; otherwise the route remains one of the longest Class 1 hikes to a major Pacific Northwest summit. Arrive at a small, partially (short) tree-covered saddle before the final push up the summit block.
