Gorgeous trail and the weather was perfect.

We saw a lot of cars parked at the trailhead, but were very surprised not to see many on the trail. The trail very well maintained and we had great weather for early Dec (50s and sunny, clear blue, no wind). It was a very low stress hike with the mountain views were peaking through the forest clearings occasionally with a nice topping of snow. Fun bridges with waterfalls nearby. Very enjoyable.

This trail is gorgeous and so well maintained. We arrived at about 11am and there was a good handful of cars, the lot outside the gate was full and a few cars on the road, it had doubled by the time we finished the hike. This trail has something to enjoy looking at from beginning to end. The weather was gorgeous and the sky was clear through a lot of the day so we were able to get some sun peeks and even peep snowy mountain peaks along the way. We traveled clockwise around the loop and the one big ascent was not a joke. We were layered up and a little warm on that journey. We had our two leashed dogs with us, one who is not friendly with unknown dogs. We were approached by an unleashed dog while we were standing below the trail at the creek at the start of the trail, humans caught up and called her away. On the ascent we encountered another unleashed dog that came running up from behind to check us out and my dog was NOT pleased. No owner in sight but we were able to get it to leave us alone and head back to its ppl. Made the rest of the ascent and the hike a bit of a race bc we didn’t want to have another encounter so we tried to stay well ahead of them, meaning we couldn’t enjoy the views or a very leisurely pace which was unfortunate. It was a great day to be out though and the trail couldn’t have been in better condition. All the leaves have fallen but parts of the trail are blanketed with brown fallen foliage. A reminder to please leash your dogs and keep them in sight and earshot at all times. Just because your dog is well behaved and well mannered doesn’t mean all other dogs are happy to meet it. 

I have passed by here numerous times and never done this hike and I am glad I did.  Went hiking with my daughter in law and two winner dogs.  It was the perfect distance and elevation gain to get a nice work out.  We crossed at least five creeks. Beautiful!  Well maintained with plenty of benches if you want to take a break and enjoyed the scenery.  Most of the leaves have fallen, so the ground is beautifully covered with yellows and browns.  

I arrived at the trailhead at 8:40 on a cold Saturday morning. Fall is finally in display and it is glorious. From the start you are surrounded by yellows and oranges. And mushrooms. If you say mushroom and then look for one, you'll find one. The trail is in excellent condition. Despite all the leaves on the trail, there was no issue with traction. I came across 4 parties until I hit the small parking area where cars were lined up all over the place. Somehow I missed all those people. There is still plenty of green on the upper section of the trail if you didn't get to see the splendor this weekend. Come prepared for the cold and wet. With the leaves falling, there is a lot more exposure to raindrops and/or sunshine. I had to peel off my layers on the way up and layer right back up on the way down.