We camped two nights at the lakes and day hiked up to Gladys Divide. The lakes were absolutely gorgeous and the trail was in great condition, minus several large trees down that required either going off the trail or agility that was difficult to do with a backpack on. Either way, glad I brought trekking poles. The Gladys trail crossed several stretches of snowfield that were starting to melt from underneath, keep an eye out for that! Some sections of trail after the junction 4 miles in were eroded/washed out but not to a concerning degree.

Great water access the whole trail. Wildflowers along the Gladys Divide trail were beautiful and the huckleberries were just starting to ripen! 10/10

Hit the trail at 7:30am and didn't see a single person until after the B&W Lakes junction. Plenty of folks at the lakes and on the way down of course, but the early bird something something, I guess.

As mentioned in previous reports, the trail's in great shape aside from a few blowdowns - one major mess on the boardwalk section from last year with an obvious detour path, and then a few along the final ascent which parallels Donahue Creek. I found them all easier to navigate on my way down, but none were a major issue in either direction.

Not a ton of flowers, but I was pleased to find some pipsissewa tucked among some salal. 

I did the Flapjack Lake - Black and White Lakes loop counterclockwise today from the Staircase Trailhead. The road to the trailhead is in fantastic condition; it must've been recently graded because there were no potholes along the entire gravel section. The entire loop is snow free. The bugs were a bit annoying but the wildflowers were starting to bloom.

Spent 2 nights at Flapjack Lakes with a leisurely day hike up to Gladys Divide. Overall, a very pleasant outing, good bit of exercise, lovely scenery, and peaceful surroundings. My observations and tips:
- First 4 miles are flat... last 4 are not. Make sure to fill your water bottles near beginning of the uphill section as few water sources exist after the bridge. If you mistakenly run out like I did, don't be tempted to climb down the steep hill to creek around 7 miles in....just keep walking up a bit farther for easy creek access & a makeshift bench to sit on!
- Group campsite was fine for 7, but I don't see how 12 people could fit there. Plus, the closest outhouse was about 0.5 miles around the east side of lake as the short trail on land between the lakes is currently blocked by high flowing creek/waterfall.
- Trail up to Gladys Divide is snow free except nearing the top where there are a couple small snow fields to cross, easily done in hiking boots. Poles were helpful but not required.
- Wildflowers are starting to emerge, lots of Avalanche Lillies and other early flowers in places.
- Not much wildlife was seen, a few grouse(?) & chipmunks & fish.
- Lots of mosquitoes, particularly around campsite which was back in the trees. We sprayed ourselves with deet & hung out beside the lake where light breeze helped keep them away. Not bad enough for a head net, but getting close.
- Not many people and ample parking when we arrived Thursday, but Saturday afternoon on our way out it was kind of a zoo. Lots of hikers headed up and day visitors walking around. Rangers were doing their best to maximize parking on roadsides, but it was packed.

As many previous reports have mentioned there are several areas of large and somewhat annoying blowdowns on the way to flapjack. There is also an area that while it has been somewhat "fixed"m the trail is still tilted and loose, from a washout. Easily passable by an avid backpacker with care, but could sketch some people out. From Flapjack to Gladys, there was solid snow starting just above treeline, however it was solid and easy to cross with no traction.