Beyond wet! A couple slick water crossings, some deep mud and slightly flooded sections, one problem tree down, and some puncheon/bridges/boardwalks in rough shape. Poles aren't really needed for most of the trail but were really nice to have for the plethora of watery areas. It was pretty but not sure I would recommend this one right now.
Bathroom has been abused so don't count on it. Someone defecated all over including the seat...so sad
Road/Parking: A bit worse than it was a couple of years ago, there is a decent amount of room for pot hole dodging but too many to dodge in some places. It was ok but bumpy in a small SUV. Nice views on the way. There were only 2 cars at the TH at 10 on Sunday and just 1 when we left.
Trail: The upper and lower both have plenty of water to contend with. We took the upper out to take advantage of the views, while it was still clear and the lower back. With the leaves down there are quite a few viewpoints right now and extra waterfalls both across the valley and on the trailside creating water crossings. The pipe one was particularly annoying because the pipe is huge and requires climbing over with deep water and slick rocks on both side. The lower had one boardwalk near the TH with some boards that were pretty much gone and a very sketchy bridge. The bridge may have suffered a recent tree strike and is still up but leaning and seems to be shifted on it's center pier. There is one small gap to step over and it feels a bit wobbly, so please be careful. The river was lovely and really rushing. Everything is fairly flat except a small climb close to the lake where there is a semi steep rooty/rocky climb. The tree fall is just a bit before that and you might be able to crawl under it if you really wanted to but it would be tight. The climb up and around wasn't bad but steep and loose.
Stats: ~10 miles, 1500 ft elevation gain/loss, 4.25 hours moving, 4.75 hours total. We are moderate paced hikers who hike weekly.
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