Enjoyed a beautiful and fun Class 3 hike up Pacific Peak. However, in reading the trail description, it often just said go through the willows and find the trail. I were unable to find any semblance of a trail until I had been following Pacific Creek for a ways. When I came down, I decided to figure out how I would be able to find the trail sooner! Here is what I figured out:
From the gate at the trailhead, turn to the North. You'll have to bushwack through the willows. (Don't mind Doug, my hiking buddy.)
For a more precise direction, you should be able to see this burnt pointy stump of a tree. Head in that direction.
Once you reach a break in the willows, this picture shows everything you need to find the trail. Notice the small cairn - this signifies an actual little bit of a trail that goes through the remaining willows (you may or may not be able to find it!). Once you've crossed the remaining willows, look to your left for a small drainage. The trail intersects with this drainage below the trees.
Once you find the trial, keep in mind it is sparse in places, but it is continuous (that I found) until you come even with the saddle between Mayflower Hill and Pacific Peak. This photo is taken from the west ridge of Atlantic:
This is how sparse the trail can get along the way (looking toward the trailhead, then looking to the north toward Pacific Creek.
Hope this helps some people find the trail early on! It wasn't necessary in order to hike this route, but it sure was nice having it coming back down. Good luck!
