Got up before dawn to do a sunrise hike to the upper viewpoint of Storm King mountain.  I had never hiked this trail so I was a little surprised that the viewpoint was not at the actual summit but maybe 300' below.  There are still great views as everyone knows (see Instagram Rock in 1st photo).

The trail was entirely snow free.  That may change temporarily this weekend with the storm coming in but any snow that falls here will likely melt off fairly quickly afterwards.  The ropes and pitches were also a little different than I expected.  I thought that they might be a little steeper and rockier but the main obstacle was the small, crushed rocks and grit on a slope just steep enough to make travel difficult.

In my opinion the 1st rope section (2nd photo) was the most challenging but not insurmountable.  If you can get up that it feels easier the rest of the way.  If you are a little nervous or have some anxiety you will still probably be fine as that is just self-preservation kicking in.  If your knees or shaking or you are frozen in fear than do not attempt to go up the ropes.  The last rope was the easiest in my opinion (3rd photo).

That being said the views of the east end of Lake Crescent are just as good at the lower viewpoint (which is about 2/3 the way up the climb) - see the 4th photo.  However, if you want to see the west end of the lake or the lake in its entirety (or you need the rock photo for IG) then you will have to ascend the ropes.

"Boomer" tip to the young ones:  DON'T CUT THE SWITCHBACKS.  Our national parks don't have the staffing or funding to maintain the trails as they are much less with the additional erosion generated by the off-trail short-cuts.  So, if you want the trail to still be there, and still be hikeable, when you are older then stay on the trail where possible.

This hike is also interesting because of the varied micro-climates, from virtual rainforest at the valley bottom to drier, rockier Madrone forests up higher.  The hike is fairly short but a bit of a knee buster on the way down.  I was happy to have poles but make sure you stash them on your pack or in the bushes before you attempt the ropes.

I had the trail to myself till the very bottom but soon after a steady stream of hikers showed up.

Afterwards, I checked out Marymere Falls, because ... why not, it is right there.  That trail had a little mud and some steps but nothing else to hinder you.  The falls looked pretty nice this time of year.  

.... and then I went about 1/3-1/2 mile up the Barnes Creek trail.  There was a fair amount of dead brush and branches immediately off the trail and none on the trail so a trail crew may have brushed this trail out already.  I tried to verify with a ranger but the Ranger Station was not open.

All 3 hikes look like good options right now so go enjoy, but I wouldn't attempt the upper viewpoint at Storm King if there is fresh snow or ice up there.  This is obviously a popular spot so go early or late, preferably on a weekday, if you would like some elbow room.

Great Trail! Challenging but worth the view. It is ALL UPHILL once you begin the Mt. Storm King section. It took about two hours to go up a lot of back and forth to the top. Only encountered two straights where the trail is still covered in snow and ice and a bit slippery. Spikes recommend but not required. Bring gloves for the rope and cold. If you have hiking poles they will help. Wear shoes with GOOD grip. A lot of good places to stop and take in the view on the way up. Once you get to the section where a sign reads “end of maintained trail” you are almost to the top. It will be about .2 miles of steep elevation gain on rocks and snow mush. The ropes are there and new to assist the climb. Saw people of almost all ages there minus small children. There is a danger of falling! Just take it slow and it is safe. I am a non experienced hiker, the only other trail I’ve done is mount Rainer sunrise peak (also recommend). Going down took 20-40 minutes. 

It has been since August since a report so I figured I could write one.
Parking and finding the trailhead is very easy. The turn off the main Marymere Falls trail is on the left and well marked just a short ways after you pass under 101.
The maintained trail is steep but with the exception of one rocky/rooty part, probably doable for almost anyone. You can't miss the "END OF MAINTAINED TRAIL" sign and this is where you need to be sure you are prepared. This portion has a series of ropes to assist in climbing a very steep 45 degree angle. It is very easy to look down and see how far you can fall. If you have a fear of heights, I suggest not doing this part. 
The ropes are brand new and in excellent condition. When I hiked it they all seemed very secure. They help going up but are likely a necessity going down. I strongly suggest gloves for this part. The first section of the ropes was probably the worst, the rest is steep and on lose gravel but doesn't feel quite as dangerous. If you don't feel you can do the ropes, don't do it. Getting down is always harder than getting up. This is not a trail for children.
At the end of the ropes section which is short but steep, go left and you will climb a rocky and narrow area of your destination. You will wish there were ropes here, just go slow and maybe go back down on your rear when you return.
Then you will reach your destination. The view of everything was great. Many people were feeding the birds (gray jays). Do not do this please.
After you enjoy your view you will have to go back the way you came. You will be very glad for the ropes now as they will provide a lot of stability going down. You will likely have to go down backwards through portions of it.
On our way back down we saw some large groups attempting to go up, and I shuddered to think how busy this would be in the summer on a weekend - those ropes would not be fun with dozens of people.
In the end, we survived. Took us a little under two hours to get to the top and significantly less to get back down.
If it had been raining or if there had been ice nobody in my party would have risked the ropes portion. Please check the forecast since weather can change rapidly in the Olympics. Please bring gloves. Please don't feed the wildlife.

  I was under the mistaken idea that this trail went to the summit of Mount Storm King. It doesn’t. 
  It is as everyone says, steep, rocky and rooted. Once at the top of the ropes (there are numerous pairs of gloves at the start of the ropes so if you don’t bring any, it’s ok) you are at a small notch. The correct thing to do is to turn left and go up the narrow rocky ridge that is a great view point. 
  Thinking that the trail to the right was the correct way, myself and a family of four(2 young children gleefully leading the way) continued up ever steepening ground. I finally checked my “All Trails” and saw that we were heading up into unknown territory and turned around. I topped off that with a walk up to Marymere Falls. 

What a great hike. Don’t let the length of the hike fool you. This is a straight up hike where the elevation gain is intense. Careful going down . You are more likely to slip going down then going up.