We started at the north trailhead where you are immediately surrounded by cedars, Douglas firs, red maples covered in bright green moss, a few hemlocks and spent ferns in orange/brown colors. This time of year, the deciduous tree leaves have departed the branches so the river is usually in view. As you proceed the views become more unobstructed. There are several downed trees across the trail but nothing a bunch of septuagenarians couldn't manage. We stopped at Murphy Creek for a lunch break. The creek is particularly nice this time of year as it was running at a good volume rippling over with varying colors of rocks and past moss-covered water's edge.
After lunch we retraced our route a bit and took the ADA route to the south trailhead and took the MLH back to the to the north trailhead.
Other than the blowdowns, the trail is in great condition-no standing water and no mud. There informational kiosks at each trailhead. The south parking lot has a well-stocked vault toilet.
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