Every trail is a collection of pros and cons, and while one calls great views, I gave it five stars because it excelled in so many other areas. The crew that constructed and maintains it do a superb job, maybe better than any trail I've been on. The trail surface is smooth and solid, even on 40-degree slopes. The water diversion cuts are made with beefy rocks and logs. 10-20 oversized benches are made with 2"+ boards. And the trail is very well signed.
Having cascading creeks alongside you for much of the hikes was a real plus, both visually and audibly. The variety of plants was great. Spring is a favorite time for me. We spotted the last blooming trillium, and first blooming salmonberry. Bear grass was going to town down near the bottom. One massive rock face was totally covered with moss, and smaller rocks was mostly covered in moss that comes in interesting lines, as paint strokes. We took a side detour up to the Mt. Ellinor viewpoint (not that great a view, actually), which adds 2 miles and ~800 feet--which was a bit touch on my old knees coming down.
Overall, a terrific hike, and a pretty short drive for us, with a nice coffee stop in Hoodsport. I hope volunteer some on trail maintenance after my upcoming retirement.
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