Hiked about 7 miles in, to just past the cascade creek trail junction. Many trees over the trail farther in, but easy to get over or around. No snow on the trail, though there may be some farther up. The creek is raging, so fording across to access other trails is not possible yet.
Stopped for lunch and a bit of a nap at the falls creek trail junction and had that feeling of someone coming up behind me, expecting to see another hiker, instead it was a beautiful black bear. A quick, assertive "Hey Bear" had them turning around and heading away. If overnighting here, I would make sure to have a bear can or bag.
Although I think they're common on the first part of the trail, I did not see any rattlesnakes. I did sing to myself while crossing the rocky sections where they hang out and that seemed to be an effective way of scaring them off.
Wildflowers were incredible in both number and diversity. My favorite were the delicate calypso orchid. Also saw many mushrooms and a deer. I ended my hike with 257 photos, I just couldn't help myself.
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