Tofino from the top of Lone Cone

So. Freaking. Tired.

It takes forever to get to the top of Lone Cone... it's 2,500 ft high... and the trail starts at sea level... the trail snakes through a gigantic swamp with overgrown salal... and crosses ravines with fallen and broken trees. On the way up, it has the switchback-free feel of the Grouse Grind. When you get to the top... it's a 150 degree view. Yes, it's pretty high up... but the view is about 10% as spectacular as a ride in a float plane. When you're up that high, the ocean and its water become little more than an abstraction as they stretch to the horizon. I did see eagles fly below me... which I believe was a first... but rather than inspiring awe, it simply detracts from the majesty of the bird. If you're not one to believe in the flawed maxim of No Pain, No Gain, then just drive up to radar hill and walk for 20 seconds up a concrete path for a similarly "breathtaking" view.