6 of us started from the Barlow Pass parking lot on a rainy Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. The stream bed is almost completely dry, so no need to use the log crossing right now. The route is well-marked with pink ribbons. A few plank and bridge crossings might be a little wet for those less sure-footed.
After about an hour the rain stopped, leaving us with some pretty spectacular fall colors and misty atmospheric lighting. We took about 2:02 moving time getting to the meadow where we took an hour break for lunch and exploration, then 2:02 back (to the cars by 3:20). We saw one other party of four coming in as we were about an hour from the car. Mud in a few places, but overall it wasn't too bad.
Since we were a social group it was hard to hear many birds - only 5-6 species on the day. LOTS of frogs out as well as shrieking chipmunks, and a TON of mushrooms of all shapes and sizes. At the meadow, there were still 4 or 5 paper maps of Monte Cristo. All outhouses on the trail are locked for the winter. Use the one at the trailhead which was still open. Very enjoyable, mellow hike with spring-off options to other destinations including Glacier Basin.
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