Misty morning on Mt Amagoi

Hike date: August 22, 2026

With bad weather forecast for the afternoon I decided to rush up nearby Mt Amagoi for my nature fix today. I successfully negotiated the narrow 7 km forest road to the trailhead and parked in the small grassy space next to the trailhead. There was only one other car so I knew I had the mountain almost to myself as I started up the wooden steps at the start of the trail. Up and up I went into the silent misty woods with bear spray primed. Fortunately I didn't have to use it, but the mist drifting in and out of the trees had me imagining beasts in the woods. Eventually there were gaps in the trees and I was able to catch good views of Mt Kaikoma and the three mountains of Mt Ho'o. I met the other hiker on the summit, but he was talking passionately about something into a walkie-talkie so I ate my sandwich and came straight back down. By the time I descended the views were gone, but flowers, mushrooms, butterflies and a massive toad kept me entertained on the way back to the trailhead. This is a good mountain for a bit of exercise with the tree cover ensuring satisfaction even if the weather is not great.

Check here for more information about Mt Amagoi.

Morning light shining through the misty forest

Lots of these flowers on the lower part of the hike

And more of them

This had me imagining bears behind every tree

Finally a view of Mt Kaikoma

Made it to the summit

Some unusual-looking fungi

More atmospheric forest