Did a solo outing to Grand Prospect today. Arrived at the lot at 10:45 and still plenty of space. Many parked on the road to avoid needing a Discover Pass. keep in mind this money goes towards maintaining our state parks, so please don't be cheap and get a pass.

The trail itself was in good condition. there was one blow down that you can easily step over. today the trees were shedding a little snow received overnight and it was quite pretty in the sunlight. the trail was mostly snow free until about the last quarter mile. On the last section there was a thin layer of slushy snow, but no need for spikes. I talked to a trail runner who was doing the Traverse and he said the mid section was more snowy and that he was sliding around quite a bit, so a good idea to carry traction just in case.

The lower part of this trail system has several mountain bike trails, be sure to pay attention when coming down you are on the hiker only trail. I made the mistake of getting on the wrong trail once, and it was okay, but best to leave it to the bikers.

Left the car at noon for Grand Prospect.  Didn't encounter much packed snow until after the stream crossing, high on the route.  Temp was in the 40's and it will likely melt fast.  Snow suddenly deepens at the view point.  Not sure how it is beyond that, as I turned around at that point.  Didn't need micro spikes, but i saw a couple of people using them.

Went up to Grand Prospect with a few friends. About a dozen cars at the TH at 8am. The paved lot was slick with frozen fog. Trail is in good shape. 1 10" down tree about 1 mile in. It's almost hip high but not bad to get over. Patchy snow started above Stan's Overlook, roughly 1 mile below Grand Prospect. Here the sun began releasing sugary showers of snow off the trees. Also the occasional snow bomb! The hoody was handy! About. 5 miles below Grand Prospect the snow was steady on the trail. Just an inch or two. Did not need spikes up or down. The snow was deeper in the open spots. It was beautiful in the trees. At Grand Prospect the snow was a fluffy 5 or 6 inches deep with tall piles on the benches. Mt. Si and the other ridges had a nice dusting of snow. Really enjoyed the snow in the forest. It felt like Christmas! On the way down it was nice to have poles. Met lots of people and dogs. They were all nice. We met three people with huge packs. They were paragliders! The were going to fly off Grand Prospect! How fun is that! My GPS clocked 8.3 miles and 1960 gain.

Rattlesnake Ledge, East Peak, Turkey Spot.

Minimal snow at ledge quickly melting, 1 in above third ledge, snow starts in earnest around 2600 ft, but trees are dripping below 2800 ft.  Peak has 6 in, with a bit more from there toward Grand Prospect.  Some drifting, and more in open areas like the clearcut to the west.

No spikes needed at this time but recommended you carry them in the morning when the footprints will be frozen. Poles may help if that is your style. Snowshoes may be needed after the next big snow storm on Monday or Tuesday.

Only saw a solo hiker above third ledge; they turned back at the gravel pit. No tracks above that points. Runners ascending from prospect encountered in the clear cut, and two solos, one heading toward the lake.  2+3 ascending from third ledge as I was descending.

Obviously quite the traffic jam and madhouse to the primary ledge.

9.95mi 980m

This is a great trail only 40+ minutes from our house in Burien.  Our two dogs loved it, as did we three 70-something year olds.  The tread is very smooth for almost the whole way, very well signed, with clear and welcome separation between what look like very good mountain bike trails, and the hiker-only trail we used. Maintenance is great with many stair-steps and bridges wherever needed - thank you, volunteers!  For many years we've avoided state park trails, preferring National Forest trails as being better maintained etc.  This, and our recent hike to Middle Tiger, have caused us to reconsider and to pursue more hikes on State Park trails.

Everyone was very courteous and welcoming to our us and our two doodles, although on our outbound trip we saw almost no one after the initial junction - maybe 3 people - and very few on the way back to the trailhead.  

As one man we met put it, "The definition of joy is a dog on a trail."  Our two certainly were full of joy as they bounded into the woods and back to us.  Although there are precious few views, it was great to enjoy a hike so close to home at this time of year.  We ate lunch at the Grand Prospect, with its good view of North Bend and the valley and Mt. Si.

7.88 miles round trip, 2.4 mph average moving speed, probably about 2,000' pain-free cumulative vertical (it is a very gradual albeit steady climb so not stressful to these well-experienced bodies).