Arrived at the trailhead at 7:45am on Sunday. There were only a couple vehicles in the lot, and the restroom was open and had toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Started hiking about 8am, reached the balcony about 8:50am, and the first peak lookout at 10:40am. There is snow at the top that was a bit slippery so we put on traction. Poles were also helpful to cross the water crossing on the trail.

Totally delightful trail conditions today, including running stream, swamp, pure ice, and mashed potatoes snow! Not surprising given the recent weather. I was happy to be out, even though things were spicy. If you attempt this in the next few days, just be ready to get wet! Going up, I put on spikes around the 1 mile mark. This was treacherous going...the rain had washed away most of the snow, and it was just ice underneath. As you gain elevation, there is some snow that starts to appear. It's a bit mushy, but not much (2-3 inches). After the balcony (no views), I continued on towards the peak.

Now, I have done this multiple times in winter before and have never experienced such crazy conditions. The trail alternated between dry and running stream, with the occasional snow field. Sadly, at 3,000 ft., a perfectly normal stream had turned into an absolute RAGING river. There was absolutely no way I could cross that (see picture) without getting extremely wet. Even if I had fancied plunging in, the stream was rushing so quickly, that it would not have even been safe. So I sadly turned around and went back.

Once back on the balcony trail, it was very slippery going down. There is ice hiding between the rocks and under the conifer debris. Spikes and poles, and be careful!!!

People here like to complain about dog poop. Let’s talk about the human poop.

please stop pooping on the trail. 

please stop pooping right next to the trail.

Please bury your poop.

please don’t poop near a water source 

I’ve been seeing this way too often lately. Starting to feel like every other hike I do.

Are any hikers missing this dog?

We encountered him running along the shoulder of eastbound I-90 at 9:30am this morning between exits 38 & 42. Appears to be a doberman/herding breed mix. Me and a few others tried to coax him with some treats, but he ultimately crossed the median and went into the woods north of the westbound lanes. He was then spotted at 5:30pm this evening coming down the Mailbox Peak trail and was last seen near MP 4 on the Middle Fork road. WSP and members of a lost dogs group told me volunteers have been trying to catch him for a few days. Please keep an eye out if you're in the area anytime soon. Thanks!

First off... If you head to the summit and find my baby blue Mountain Hardware beanie with a elastic neck leash, near the summit, please do let me know! 2064912574.

Hiked to the balcony. Trail was in great shape with just a couple muddy spots and a trace of snow at the main trail intersection at the top. Very windy today! On the way up to the Museum there was sparse traces of compact snow and ice. Zero wind at this spot. From the logging truck, for the first time, I continued up the "road" along the creek through brush, shallow snow and fallen trees. It was actually very easy going and it connected up to the main trail without backtracking or losing elevation. You also bypass crossing the creek over the trail even though it's super-easy to step on stones and stay completely dry, as I took that path down. I did not bring poles, gaiters or spikes and just had trail runners. Poles would be recommended since the footing was precariously stepping in previously frozen footsteps, occasionally 6" or more deep. Outside of the footsteps the crust sometimes supported weight but post holing sucks so I just hiked in the steps. Snow depths ranged from just a few inches to maybe just over a foot near the summit in open areas. I went all the way to the West summit where there was a blue sky and beautiful view of Seattle and the Olympics. Going down I stayed in the holes where it was frozen but then when it got softer it was nicer just to plunge step and jog down in the shallow fresh snow. Hardly any wind all the way up to the summit. Photos and GPS in the Strava link.