• RT Distance: 8.8 Miles
• Elevation: 3400ft
• Time with breaks 3h 40m
• Moving Time: 3h 25m

Left the Trailhead at about 7:45 am. There are a couple of small trees down on the trail, but they are easily avoidable. With this, there are also several water crossings. No snow until about a quarter mile from the top. It was fine going up, but put micro spikes on for the way down as it was a little slick. No issues, great weather, clear skies, and sunny.

Beware: we got back to the parking lot around 2:30 and there was car glass on the floor plus another car with the window broken in. See pics. Parking lot was almost full. When we started the hike at 8:30 none of that was there.

Also, we found some boots at the parking lot (see other pic). We left it under the main hike sign post at the start of the trail.

Hike itself was nice. Some mud, some wet parts. No snow until the balcony, only starts at the final switchbacks to the peak. We did ok without spikes, although going down was a bit slippery.

We arrived at the trailhead at 8:30 am. There were only a few spots left in the lot. Bathroom is open. We had originally planned to hike to the balcony, but weather and trail conditions were good so we ended up hiking to the peak and skipping the balcony. 
The trail to the balcony is snow-free with a few spots of mud. We took the turn to head up the peak and soon encountered slush and intermittent ice. The trail is snow-covered from about 3,100 feet of elevation onwards; we put on our microspikes and used poles. In hindsight, I wish I would have also put on my waterproof shell here, because snow on the trees was melting and sending snow bombs down on us. This got particularly bad in the final couple of switchbacks where the trail narrows and there is more sun exposure. There are also a few small streams and one large stream to cross on the way up - poles and waterproof boots were helpful here. 
Views from the top are majestic. We could see Dirtybox next door and Rainier in the distance. Snow is a couple feet deep on the summit and very wet and heavy. The hike down was more slushy with the snow melt from the previous few hours. We’re back at the car and on the way home by 3 pm. 

Wow, I have NEVER seen such little snow on this trail in January! Usually I am trudging through feet of it towards the top. I probably could have done the whole thing in trail runners today though. 

Went up to the peak today. Boot pack all the way. No snowshoes necessary. Spikes are very useful. Lots of ice on the trail especially in the morning