A four-volcano day! Views of Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Adams, and Mt. Hood.
The road is paved almost all the way to the end. But do be careful there are a few spots that require attentive driving where the road has some pot holes. There is no issue with clearance but there are a few spots that could cause issue if you hit them. Actually on the way out I got my tire into a rut in the road (covered by fall leaves) where the asphalt had sunk down and it destroyed my sidewall and we had to put a spare on. For the record I drive an older corolla and had no issues with the road clearance.
Onto the trail!
No blowdowns on this trail and almost entirely brushed out.
Occasional stands of old growth while climbing up the big first hill. Upon reaching the ridge you're treated to periodic serene meadow scenes with dazzling fall colors. Visit the site of a historic and storied Washington lookout and revel imagining the views from the lookout through the seasons and years. Continue further to the gorgeous Summit Prairie where even in late season there's water for animals to drink.
Full disclosure: This is actually kind of a boring trail that gains and loses a lot of elevation going all the way to Summit Prairie. There are only a few times you get the views through the trees and it is moderately used by dirt bikes, so there are a handful of severely rutted sections. flowers are probably quite pretty here in early to mid summer and you will assuredly find solitude as it's a long 16 mile total hike in and out without a whole lot of reward.
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