Arrived at 11:00am on a Saturday and TH parking was Full - I luckily got a spot from someone pulling out as I arrived. Lots of people on the trails today.
Trail was very well maintained all the way up.
We ended up taking the winter route up - staying left and scrambling around in the boulders to get up to the tower (very easy scramble, lots of fun - highly recommend) There were people hiking up the snow on the right of the boulders but I didn't want to risk falling through into the snow moat.
Once you get to the tower if you keep scrambling around the back you will find the old pit toilet and a great view of Crystal lake - It was melting out and the water was glacial blue - very pretty. Views of Glacier Peak and Mt Baker from here as well.
On the way back after scrambling down the boulders we glissaded down the north face and took the summer route to the split. The snow is melting fast from high temps this weekend and you could hear the creek running under the snow, so something to be aware of.
Took us about 3 and 1/2 hours!
Adding this one to the book for season opener hike - so beautiful and so close to home.
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