Stunning day out there! Hard trail but worth it. Some awesome person marked the hornet nest with paper plates :-D and we skirted them both times will no issues. Not sure how long the plates will last, but we weighted them down with a rock. It is really easy on the way up because it is right after the big meadow, but a bit tricker on the way down, so pick yourself a landmark. Exact location graciously provided by :
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2023-09-02.0574333080
Road/Parking: The road is short but narrow. The video below shows the full drive from my dashcam. The last pothole is the worst and not advisable for low clearance, but the rest was not too bad. We had 6.8 inches of clearance and didn't rub, but it was close. There area a few spots about .25 mile from the TH right before that but they go fast. Mostly soft vegetation, but there were some spots where it sticks out far enough to brush both sides of the car. There where a couple of roadside camping spots (one boring and one nice with a view). Lots of parking at 8 AM on a beautiful Sunday, but it filled up and people were parked along the road when we got back. Bathroom was not stocked but pretty good. There is a roped off spot by the bathroom with space to turn around if needed.
Trail:
Forest: Rooty but not bad. Enjoy the shade while you can. The steam crossing were nearly dry! Last time they were gushing and it was tricky crossing, but not now. Still enough if you need a drink. This is the only water until the stream by the lake. Keep an eye out for a couple cool mushrooms.
Meadow: Stunning! Fall colors are starting to pop and the rock walls all around you are pretty spectacular! Even though we were in the shade it felt way hotter here than in the forest.
Forest: Again, but just a tiny bit. This is where the wasp nest is.
Valley and the Pass: You are done with the easy part (although you have already done a lot of climbing). It is pretty much all rock and scree from here out. The climb up was in the sun, unless you are super early, but the climb down was shaded. The pikas were all over here and the valley was beautiful. Some of the shear rock walls here are just crazy! The rocks were pretty loose at the bottom and generally improved as you climb. The trail at the bottom of the pass can be a little hard to see in spots. There is a fork going across the valley so make sure you do not take that by mistake.
Pass to the foot of Vesper: Pretty flat giant rock field with awesome views. Rocks were pretty stable. On the way back this was a little hard to see but once you are on the path it is super clear. At the foot of Vesper you will join up with a creek, the only good water source other than the lake. It is narrow and very easy to cross. Keep an eye out as soon as you hit the street because it is easy to miss the path up. We checked out the lake but I thought it was much better from above.
Up to the peak: It starts mellow, then climbs through the trees with a rough but well established path. Beyond that it is choose your own adventure. Staying left seemed to be pretty good but you will be needing your hands for some scrambling here and there no matter what. It was super steep but generally quiet solid. We saw a couple Ptarmigan.
Count on much more time than usual, this trail takes time.
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