The reason why we chose this trail was to hike above the marine layer cloud level. We entered via upper east trailhead (FS 2760). In general the trail is fairly evenly graded (albeit consistently steep) and well maintained. There are two very minor stream crossings early on which will probably be gone in a few weeks.
We broke out of the clouds around 5200 ft just below Camp Windy and were presented with the most beautiful display of wild flowers we've ever seen. This continued up to the summit ridge at 6000 ft. Views were magnificent on the way up stretching from Baker to Rainier. Seattle was still shrouded by the clouds. We could even see the thunderheads in eastern WA. The view from the top is hard to beat. Surrounding Olympic peaks, wild flowers galore, Cascade range, perfect sunny weather... what more could you ask? The only downsides were that mosquitoes were out (though not too bad) and the Rhododendrons are pretty much past their bloom.
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