Most of the drive is fantastic, just the last 1.5 miles on FR13 has a bunch of potholes, but any car can manage. Water crossings were super easy, even in afternoon. Snow starts just before you break out of forest and then is continuous. Post holed up to our knees a couple times but the trail is packed and easy to see/follow. Gorgeous day out in the snow!

The road and lower trail were snow free, and it was snowing lightly when we started our hike. Water was running freely down the trail from the recent rain/snow, and the crossing where the bridge has been removed was a little tricky but very doable. Thank you to whoever placed the pink flags!

The trail became snowy as we ascended, and once we reached the park the snow was 6+ inches deep. The views were absolutely gorgeous, despite not being able to see the mountain through the clouds. Closer to the lookout the snow got much deeper, probably 18 inches in places. We were able to reach the lookout without snowshoes, but pretty soon they will be required. We saw about 8-10 other parties all day.

Very pretty in snow
Can be slippery sometimes
Bring enough hand warmers!

The trail itself was great and well maintained. I want to add a side note warning to those who were wandering off onto the little side trails that take you to the Mt. Baker wash area. The trail I took didn’t have a closed sign on it. We got to a trail intersection where we did find a closed sign on the trail but no closed sign on a set of steps that went up the side of a cliff… turns out the stairs lead to NOTHING as the trail had quite literally fallen down the wash. Do NOT try to hike over to the wash edge. From the observatory the wash doesn’t look steep, it is. Don’t do it. VERY unsafe.

Road has big potholes and some rough exposed rock sections but passable. No snow/ice this morning. Car said the temp at the trailhead was 35-36.

We were the 4th car at 8:40 (might have been a van or two at camps sites). ran stocked toilets, and cleaning supplies inside so we can all help out. Ground through the meadow was hard and there was frost on the boardwalks. At the stream crossing, the first section (that never has a bridge), it was shallow but rocks were icy which made it a bit tricky. Second section where the bridge was out was actually easier because there were larger rocks where we crossed, more out of the water and not icy.

Started to see traces of snow as we began the switch backs and then it became mostly continuous (half inch or a bit more) by the last switchback approaching the junction with the Scott Paul trail. Some bits were slick but manageable. Had microspikes but didn't get them out (should have for the first part of the stream crossing). Up to railroad grade snow depth increased a bit, mix of ice and water on the trail.
After the junction to railroad grade and the nice section through the trees you descend to the wetland. There was a lot of standing water, running water and some ice. As you head up from there still a ton of berries - thanks to the folks who pointed them out on our way down. Iciest section was the rocky stair section in the shade before the tarns but manageable. Last section was all snow. Cold wind blowing at the lookout and we didn't stay long. Just long enough for my husband to spot a proposal a little ways below from the couple that had been the first to the lookout that day.

Saw lots more folks on the descent but still a lot of quiet. Unfortunately a party with several large dogs off leash. Not a comfortable feeling to be approached by unknown dogs with owners not in eye sight.

Things were melting, the section below the railroad grade junction was a bit of a stream. Much less slippery at the stream crossing as well

All in all a lovely day.