Arrived at 9 AM with one spot left on the road immediately in front of the gate. Had the top to ourselves for a good while. Took the trail not the road. By the time we got to the car many people were parked on the side of the highway.

We arrived at the trailhead at 9 a.m.  Trail was in great shape all the way up.  There was one 12-in log on the trail about halfway up, which we cleared.  No snow on the trail, but some ice crunched underfoot once we were on top. The weather was excellent.  Puget Sound was mostly under a cloud bank below us, but we had clear views of Mt. Constance & Mt. Townsend from the north summit, and from the south summit we could see Rainier, Adams, and St Helens.

On the north summit, we found one of the fabled bronze dragon tracks, 12 of which were placed around the eastern Olympic Peninsula over 30 years ago by sculptor Tom Jay as part of an effort to teach people about salmon habitat.  Details here:  https://www.geocaching.com/plan/lists/BMF247

On our descent, we encountered a number of other hikers on their way up.  The day clouded up shortly after we left the summit.

Excellent trail that takes you up steeply up to the summit of Mount Walker. The grade is steep, but not as steep as let’s say a Cable Line or Mailbox. The trail also has great tread, and is not slippery at all, which was so nice coming down! Only one blowdown, and it is easy to step over. No mud whatsoever, which was sweet. The forest service road up to the summit is gated at the highway, but there is parking for 10 or so cars.

I went to both the North and South viewpoints, and explored some of the high points while up top. Didn’t get any views as the fog hadn’t lifted yet, but it was nice to have no rain. Great winter hike through a beautiful forest with tons of rhododendrons!  Not sure if these come into bloom in the spring or not, as I didn’t see many buds on them.

Beautiful evening for winter views on humble Walker, with Rainier, Adams and St Helens as reward for this short and steep hike. There were a few people on the trail tonight, but this beloved trail rarely feels crowded in winter.
The road is closed, but there's parking for six or so cars off 101. From the highway, round trip on the trail hitting both summits is just over 6 miles.

Great winter hike. Trail is very well maintained. Did the steep climb to the top and gradual descent via the road. Plenty of great views at both viewpoints and during some sections of the road decent. This trail seems ideal to hike in the winter while the road is closed. Less crowded and more peaceful without cars. Small parking area at the gate, can maybe hold 10ish cars.