First time on this trail for me, after years of having it on my to-do list. The trail is very well maintained, with only a few minor obstacles - logs over the path, mostly, and a couple small streams and mud. At about 6 miles each way and only about 2500 feet of elevation gain, the trail is never very steep. Despite this, the views are amazing, wild flowers were out in bloom, and the snow is almost totally gone - the perfect time to hike this trail. At the top, just before the "katwalk", there's a great mini-peak to scramble up if you're brave - we were only partially brave, going about half-way up, and it provided about 270 degrees of amazing views.
If there were any downsides to the hike, it would be it's popularity. This is no Mt. Si, but still, the trail was crowded at times. Not a real problem though - at the top, there's plenty of room to find your own private viewing spot.
While this hike may not have a lake a true "peak", the payoff is still amazing. The views and the catwalk are unique, and well worth the effort.
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