Ventured up to Mt Walker on 1-14-19 starting at 10:30am, there was already 15+ cars parked at the locked gate along the highway. The walk up the road to the actual lower TH is pretty short. Trail conditions are great, no snow or ice even at the viewpoints. The incline is constant and coming down felt like torture on my knees in a couple places haha, so poles were helpful coming down but not everyone was using poles. Definitely a thigh burner!! Vault toilets past the first viewpoint are unlocked and the picnic table was a nice lunch spot. The South viewpoint is absolutely worth the time, around a mile RT extra. Enjoyed the Gray Jay visitors and views of Rainier, Saint Helens and teeny tiny Seattle. Came back down the trail though it seemed like many people followed the road back down as we did not see many people coming down as we made it up

There are a few trees over the trail, but none of them are difficult to pass. I would say probably 3 overall. 

Slushy snow started about a mile in...it was raining the entire time, which made the lower snow slushy and easy to hike. The last 400-500 vertical feet there was probably 1-2 inches of snow. On the steeper parts, microspikes would of been helpful. I was not interested in stopping in the rain to put them on and was able to make it to the top with no problems. On the way down it was a bit slick, but I made it back down without any additional traction as well.

Overall, the trail is in great condition for this time of year. 

From the gate where you park the car to the top South Lookout and back it is 7.5 miles; just a bit more than advertised. It is basically straight up, the % grade is steep the entire way. However, the trail was clear except for the end of one tree that was easily stepped around. The views at the top were lovely. Easy to find parking at the bottom gate.

Trip up Mount Walker was snow free today with beautiful views from both view points. Two trees were down across the trail,  but were easy to walk around.

It was a beautiful, crisp day for a hike up Mt. Walker.  The only obstacle was a large tree across the trail at one point which was easy to circumvent.  It was clear at the top and the views were great, the sun even peeked out for a bit.