This is definitely an up up up hike but it’s short! Good training hike. No stairs and a fairly root free path. Saw 2 orchids, some yellow violets, and trillium. Would have loved to see the rhododendrons blooming but not yet - so many around though I’m sure it would be beautiful. We missed a clear view at the top by about 15 minutes and then it got socked in; the first of our party arrived in time to see the mountains and took a photo for us :) . Caught a few glimpses of water and trees though. Friendly (aka somewhat pesky) warblers at the top will watch you eat a snack. 

There are outhouses at the top just past the north lookout. The road is closed until April 30 so no driving up to the top which cuts down on visitors. No outhouse at the bottom.

Trail was in good condition - snow free and only a bit muddy. The mist blocked views from the top but it was still a pretty hike. Rhododendrons, which are everywhere, have not yet bloomed - it'll be gorgeous when they do!

Hiked this on a beautiful, clear Wednesday.  The trail was snow-free to the summit, and there were no blowdowns. From the north summit, there were fine views of the snowy Olympics to the west, and of Mt. Baker to the northeast.  I walked to the south summit as well, and had a hazier view of Seattle and Mt. Rainier.

I encountered 6 other parties along the way.  The lower gate on the road was closed when I first arrived at 9:30, but it was open when I returned 3 hours later.  The upper gate, just above where the trail starts, was closed.

Began this hike late on Friday around 1 PM.  The road up to the trail head is closed but there was enough room for me to park my car outside of the gate and walk the short road up to the trail head. There is room for about 6-8 cars in front of the gate. The trail was in great condition and I saw only a handful of people for the entire hike.  I turned around at about 1.5 miles up the mountain as I had not prepared for storming conditions and the rain and wind were picking up rapidly.  Through the area I had hiked there was no snow to be seen.  Nice hike!