Just a quick hike this AM trying to beat the new weather system rolling in. I reached the trailhead at 9am, and counted only 6 other vehicles in the parking lot. It was cool but mild, and although the skies were very dark it hadn't yet begun raining. There were only small patches of snow in the woods here and there at first, but about a half mile in it began encroaching on the trail, and after the stream crossings the trail became snow covered. I elected to put on my spikes and gaiters at that point because I knew it would only get worse. Up until reaching the side trail that goes up to the falls it was just compacted snow, easy to do without spikes. That changed on the way up to the falls. The staircases are all buried in snow and the trail was pretty slick as it cut through almost a foot of snow. Since I had my gear on already I had little trouble, but a few other hikers I passed lacked traction devices and were having a hard time of it.

I had the upper falls to myself for a few minutes, and on the way back down I checked out the lower falls as well like I normally do. There were a few parties headed up to Lake Serene, and they wisely had spikes and poles. As I descended the trail it started getting busy with uphill traffic, and by the time I was back at the trailhead around 11:30am there were 30+ cars in the lot. My timing was pretty good as it started raining just as I finished throwing my gear in my vehicle and headed out of there.

P.S. I see today was a free state parks pass day. Lucky for me because I forgot to hang my Discover Pass in my vehicle. Oops...

Perfect! We went in rainy conditions and it was good. We found people with children and dogs. Family friendly. In the hardest part, there are stairs that you will need. excellent sport at the end of the trail

We arrived at the TH at 9am and there were only 12 cars in the parking lot. The two vault toilets were locked, evidently for the winter. 

The trail up to the falls is in great shape, for the most part dry and the falls were worth the short but slightly steep climb up. 

Heading up to the lake as the hike notes mentioned, it is a 1,300 feet of elevation in just 1.5 miles. Lots and lots of steps and rocks. The last 1/3 of the hike was snow covered which made it a bit slick so we broke out the micro spikes to make things easier. 

Once we made it to the lake it was snowing lightly but still made for a beautiful lunch spot.   Really great hike that is worth the effort. 

Did this in the rain.

The regular upper lot is snow and slush, would be very easy to get stuck in a low clearance car.

I parked in the lower lot, didn't bother checking the bathrooms assumed they were closed.

Snow on the trail starts immediately. It's compact, but there is melt under it in some places and it's slick slush just kind of a mess. Spikes were somewhat helpful.

Creek crossings were wet, you need waterproof shoes for this and the rocks are slick. Be very careful on the upper creek crossings leading to the falls.

The stairs to the falls are covered in snow so they are just steep snow/slush slopes.

Falls were roaring, had it all to myself on a rainy Monday.

Only passed one other couple on the way down. Going in the rain is a great way to get this fall all to yourself. I wouldn't recommend going now if it's your first time though the conditions are kind of a mess.

Trailhead was snow covered, a good 6inches. The trail was easy to follow. Nice path. Would have been nice to have poles and micro spikes. but we just had on waterproof hiking boots. Which worked just fine on this trail. One area was a little risky on the edge of a cliff and the snow was melting. It was 49 degrees. Beautiful day we even saw blue sky!