I hiked this trail near the beginning of the season (June 19th, 2025 trip report) and returned today for a hike at the end of the season (Oct 7th, 2025 trip report). *The most notable change in early October is that the rocks and boulders are extra slippery compared to my hike in June.*
Road: a few pot holes and wash board in the gravel section of the road early on, after the turn off from Hwy 92. The paved section is in good condition and the whole road has benefited from a brush cutter cutting back the vegetation. I am so grateful for the national funding dollars that was used recently to fix this road. It used to be awful.
Parking: arrived late 1:30 pm. 10-20 cars in the lot. Lots of parking. Most people finishing and leaving.
Trail: I always think of this trail as having 3 distinct sections:
1. the early forest section (~30 min),
2. the middle boulder basin (~30 to 45 min),
3. above the saddle to the lookout (~30 min).
Not much fall color to note today. Head else wear for larches and fall color. The smoke smell from this year's late forest fire season was noticeable but not super strong. It could be seen as a brown line on the horizon when looking at Baker, Rainier, 3 Fingers, Glacier, etc once you got above the forest.
The rocky sections on the trail were extra slippery today. There has been just enough rain lately to create a bit of mud and this trail gets lots of traffic so all the granite boulders are covered in a patina of slippery brown dirt from many pairs boots. You would think it would be obvious but it actually isn't and as other trail reporters have noted it can be surprisingly treacherous since this trail is very rocky. Just watch your step more than usual especially once you leave the forest, catch your first view of Rainier, and enter the boulder basin. I appreciated my poles on the way down.
Crowds: I encountered only a few people because it was late in the day and midweek. (I carried my headlamp and extra clothes just in case).
Views: some mountains were especially hazy (Rainier) and Puget Sound was hard to see- possibly in part from the fire in the Olympics and in part based on the time of day putting the late afternoon sunlight in your eyes. This is one of the few hikes in the Cascades that has amazing views of BOTH the Cascades and Puget Sound. And that makes it very special - even if the lookout wasn't there.
Stats: 5.5 miles, 2,200 elev gain by my Garmin. 1 hr 40 min- ascent; 1 hr 30 min descent; 1 hour spent at the top; (50+ years old, carrying a 25 lbs pack)
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