No lie, this is an outstanding hike! One quick update to other recent trip reports: there is now a bridge over Rocky Creek, no more wading required. Big, appreciative shout-out to the volunteers who installed the crossing today; such a nice surprise on our way back to the trailhead this afternoo! (Not that we would have minded a refreshing walk through the cold water given how hot it was.) Thank you! Forest Roads 12 and 13 up to the parking lot are in good shape: some washboard and potholes that might be cringe-worthy in a lower clearance vehicle, but nothing significant to worry about. We made the drive up from Seattle in two hours. The trail itself is in fantastic shape. Yes, there are bugs, but the views make up for the annoyance. If you haven't been to the lookout before, it is well worth the effort to get there. We lucked out with the weather today and had amazing views in every direction. As far as flora goes, lots of lupine and heather in bloom, although the later seems to be fading. Happy hiking!

One of my favorite hikes! The views at the lookout and butte are absolutely amazing. Getting there is totally worth the effort. I would advise bringing a pair of sandals and poles to make the river crossing easy. You can either balance on the logs with poles or walk right through (of course in sandals, not your hiking boots) The switchbacks have one issue; there is a hornet’s nest about halfway through the switchbacks. People warned us, we thought we passed them and then bang…I got stung. We moved on fast and before you knew it we were at the junction of the Scott Paul Trail…we headed left up to Park Butte and within 10 minutes or so from the intersection, you begin to enter meadows… The stairs on the right (made out of rocks) are a worthy side trip up to the ridge line and glacial carved valley (about 15 minutes each way)…and there are some amazing camp spots up this side trip. We saved this trip for the return and pressed on to the Lookout. The trail was in excellent condition, there were some bugs out, but they never really bothered you. After enjoying the lookout, we headed to the tarns on the butte to enjoy lunch and views. On the return, we didn’t notice the hornets. This hike should be put on a must do on a nice clear day. If you want an early start, there are a few primitive campsites a few hundred yards before the trailhead. We didn’t spot any wildlife, however, on the trail 5 minutes up from the trailhead, we spotted what we believe was a mountain lion track

The trail is in great shape. The river crossing at a mile is a bit tricky, but there is a decent crossing that shouldn't pose problems unless the water level rises. Moderate hike with amazing views of Baker and the N. Cascades. The lookout is open. Minimal snow on the trail.

Phenomenal hike. Not nearly as far from Seattle as I thought. About an hour up on I-5, followed by about an hour to the trailhead. The creek crossing was easy and it was possible to hop from rock to rock. A few pesky large bug swarms on the way up. Some small patches of snow remain in the flat meadows up top, but thin enough there was no postholing or need for anything other than hiking shoes. If you're brave, take the side trip up Railroad Grade Trail. It goes right along the rim of the carve-out from the glacier. It's kind of amazing how sketchy this trail is, but it's fun and the views are amazing. If you trip on the way up, be sure to fall to the left! The trails are in fantastic shape, with ditches, drains for runoff, shortcuts barricaded off, etc. Great job WTA!

Left late around noon from Bellingham and arrived to the parking lot at 1:30. Lots of cars parked but not too many people once we started getting furthur from the parking lot. The bridge is out at the river crossing and some make-shift log bridges have been put up so it's not too bad but cross with a little caution. Poles will make it very easy to cross. Bugs were out but were not in full force. The trail from park butte to railroad grade is nearly 100% snow free, did not have to cross a single snow field all the way up. Overall great day, great views and a great hike. Pics can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/grimforest/sets/72157634833111842/