Entire trail is covered in snow that is pretty packed down, but if you stray from the packed-down path you will sink through to your mid-calf or knee. Spikes are a must, but snowshoes would hinder you.
The trail is beautiful and snow-covered right now, but with some more rainy days and warm weather will become slushy and impassable.
At the lake, saw and heard avalanches coming down Mt. Pilchuck every few minutes. At first a little scary but they are contained to the far side of the lake - stay by the bridge, and you should be ok.
Parking lot was the most difficult part of the hike - the road is clear and paved right up until the lot, which is covered in 6-10" of slushy snow. Should have put my chains on, but drove in without them and got stuck in the slush - needed some help pushing my car up and out of the lot. Beware!
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