The trail to Twin Lakes is almost completely snow-free, with only a few short patches to cross. Snow is not an issue on this trail right now. The snow that exists poses no route-finding challenges and requires no special equipment to cross.
The hornets from the previous trip report can be easily avoided. A marked alternative route with cairns and ribbons bypasses the area with their nest.
There were a couple of blow downs on the trail between Monte Cristo and Poodle Dog Pass, but nothing too crazy. The trail is straightforward except for a couple of short sections above Poodle Dog Pass where minor scrambling is required. These sections are brief and they have good hand and foot holds.
Be aware that the actual elevation gain on this hike is significantly higher than advertised. The WTA's stats for this trail are inaccurate. "Backpacking Washington" published by The Mountaineers lists the elevation gain of this hike as 3,900 feet, which aligns more closely with my GPS data and CalTopo mapping than the 2,939 feet listed in the WTA description. An extra 1,000 feet of elevation gain, especially when carrying a heavy pack on a hot day, could come as an unwelcome surprise to some hikers.
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