Summer hiking season has arrived at Exit 38. I was happy to see climbers, families, and runners in the lower section of the trail. The intersection with the creek above 3,000’ has plenty of rocks to hop; poles were helpful. A few small patches of snow remained in the final 300 vertical feet and were soft and easy to cross.

The trail is nearly entirely south-facing and felt much warmer in the sun than ambient temperature. I went through more water than I had expected. Cellular service also was almost continuous (AT&T). Summit views from Pilchuck, Kulshan, and Index to the Alpental basin were spectacular. 

Began our hike just before 8 am. Misty, overcast day with low clouds and periodic light rain. Only 9 cars in the parking lot when we arrived. Trail was well-marked and clear until about a half mile from the top. Snow on the ground for the final half mile started thin and deepened with ascent; probably still 2-4 feet thick near the top. No issues traversing with only our hiking boots (no spikes). Zero view due to thick fog at the top. Parking lot was 3/4 full when we returned at 12:30 pm.

~4.5 hours for 9.0 miles and 3522 ft of elevation gain roundtrip.

This was an afternoon hike up to the peak.  Temps were somewhere in the 60's in N. Bend (low 60's I think).

Started at noon and took 2.5 hrs to the top.  The last few minutes of the hike had intermittent snow, but the warm temperatures made it easy to get up.  I was wearing summer trail runners.  There were a couple of people up there with spikes, but that seemed like overkill given the time of day and the soft snow.

Very little mud on the trail.  One stream crossing with well located stepping rocks doesn't present much of a problem if you take your time.

Stopped at Dirty Harry's Museum on the way down.

Wildflowers were blooming.  

Started out at 10 on a sunny Thursday morning, no trouble parking. Temps due to hit 60 in Seattle. 3 hour hike up to peak, with snow patches increasing the last 300' vertical feet below top. Trail otherwise in great condition - did share one section (a bit above the Dirty Harry Balcony side trail) with a stream but easy to step on tops of rocks to cross. Shed fleece outer layer over a t-shirt on the climb and donned it again at the top. Did fine with boots and poles up and down. Had spikes but didn't need them. Great view of one of the Granite Lakes from the top! (Was down there looking up at the peak last summer!) 2 hours down. A few bugs below the level of Dirty Harry Balcony side trail, but no mosquitos!

I've always understood Dirty Harry's Peak to be an unremarkable minor peak on the I-90 corridor.  I wasn't expecting much.

But the lower trail (ending at the Ira Spring Connector junction) is really pleasant.  It offers some sights (river, access to a couple nice viewpoints over I-90) and nice forest & boulder field walk with modest elevation gain.  There were many hikers on this stretch.  Most appeared to be headed to Dirty Harry's Balcony, which is a good destination for an easy, pleasant mid-day hike.  Four stars.

The upper trail is, IMO, a two star affair.  It's great for training - a steep two mile grind - but is devoid of interesting viewpoints.  The summit is also unremarkable - forested and offering only partial views to the west and northeast.

Average score:  three stars.

Caution:  Plenty of snow remains on the upper trail after the last switchback.  I estimate three feet of snow lingering between the trees at the summit.