The road is all gravel after turning off of the Baker Lake road, but it is really well-maintained with almost no potholes. The trail is also in great shape. The dirt/rock was a bit loose at one or two points, but nothing too bad. We got one of the last spots in the parking lot when we arrived at about 9 AM on a Saturday. Cars were parked well down the road when we left mid-afternoon. This hike is moderately strenuous but very doable thanks to good trail conditions and plenty of nice points to stop and rest. Bugs were around but not much of a nuisance (didn't see mosquitoes, just flies and bees). Incredible views along the way and from the lookout. Highly, highly recommended!

Great day for a hike. Weather was beautiful. Started our hike about 8:15am and took our time getting to the fire outlook. There was a lot of beauty to take in along the way. Once we got to the top, we checked out the outlook and then had lunch on the rocks taking in the view. Mount Baker was breath taking.

Arrived before 11am on a sparkling Friday, parking lot 80% full. Park Butte was great, but Railroad Grade inspired my soul. Water source near Park Butte is drying up, while plenty of glacier fed stream at the upper end of Railroad Grade.

Fast becoming one of my favorite early hikes, not too far from Seattle, and clearly well loved given the number of reports. So I'll only add a few notes. Firstly, don't make any turnoffs from FR 12 until you actually see the sign for the Recreation Area (FR 13); I seemed to have made the same error last year. This is a superb hike, moderate elevation gain, and has many view stops along the way to rest or eat. There are places, at least at this time, to refill bottles before reaching the lookout. Now is a good time to go. As of this writing there are still some snow patches in the meadows and covering Twin Sisters and other distant mountain ranges that highlight the beauty of the region. Wildflowers are not plentiful but some are appearing, especially on the western slope leading to the lookout. The heather is spectacular in dark pink and stunning white, even more so during early evening hours. The tarns are photo-perfect with just a bit of fast-melting snow remaining. Look far below to the turquoise snowmelt pond visible to the left in the last 1/8 mi of trail. Surprisingly, there were few people on the trail on a weekday. And no bugs at all on a somewhat breezy day (once altitude is gained), perhaps just the luck of the day. Driving back along Highway 20, a large herd of elk was grazing on open land near one of the small towns.

trail is in excellent condition. only one small snow patch. there weren't too many people out today. they added a bridge at the creek/river crossing. made it all the way to the lookout and had some amazing views. pics in additional links.