Got up before dawn to do a sunrise hike to the upper viewpoint of Storm King mountain. I had never hiked this trail so I was a little surprised that the viewpoint was not at the actual summit but maybe 300' below. There are still great views as everyone knows (see Instagram Rock in 1st photo).
The trail was entirely snow free. That may change temporarily this weekend with the storm coming in but any snow that falls here will likely melt off fairly quickly afterwards. The ropes and pitches were also a little different than I expected. I thought that they might be a little steeper and rockier but the main obstacle was the small, crushed rocks and grit on a slope just steep enough to make travel difficult.
In my opinion the 1st rope section (2nd photo) was the most challenging but not insurmountable. If you can get up that it feels easier the rest of the way. If you are a little nervous or have some anxiety you will still probably be fine as that is just self-preservation kicking in. If your knees or shaking or you are frozen in fear than do not attempt to go up the ropes. The last rope was the easiest in my opinion (3rd photo).
That being said the views of the east end of Lake Crescent are just as good at the lower viewpoint (which is about 2/3 the way up the climb) - see the 4th photo. However, if you want to see the west end of the lake or the lake in its entirety (or you need the rock photo for IG) then you will have to ascend the ropes.
"Boomer" tip to the young ones: DON'T CUT THE SWITCHBACKS. Our national parks don't have the staffing or funding to maintain the trails as they are much less with the additional erosion generated by the off-trail short-cuts. So, if you want the trail to still be there, and still be hikeable, when you are older then stay on the trail where possible.
This hike is also interesting because of the varied micro-climates, from virtual rainforest at the valley bottom to drier, rockier Madrone forests up higher. The hike is fairly short but a bit of a knee buster on the way down. I was happy to have poles but make sure you stash them on your pack or in the bushes before you attempt the ropes.
I had the trail to myself till the very bottom but soon after a steady stream of hikers showed up.
Afterwards, I checked out Marymere Falls, because ... why not, it is right there. That trail had a little mud and some steps but nothing else to hinder you. The falls looked pretty nice this time of year.
.... and then I went about 1/3-1/2 mile up the Barnes Creek trail. There was a fair amount of dead brush and branches immediately off the trail and none on the trail so a trail crew may have brushed this trail out already. I tried to verify with a ranger but the Ranger Station was not open.
All 3 hikes look like good options right now so go enjoy, but I wouldn't attempt the upper viewpoint at Storm King if there is fresh snow or ice up there. This is obviously a popular spot so go early or late, preferably on a weekday, if you would like some elbow room.
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