LOST TREKKING POLES!!! If anyone found trekking poles (Black Diamond) I'll buy them back from you for $40. Other than losing my trekking poles, the hike was really nice. The steep section of the trail is completely dry. Only up and around the crest of the hike do you run into any snow, but it's almost flat from here to the fire lookout. The road conditions weren't so nice; I was barely able to get to the trailhead with my Subaru because of the snow. High clearance with 4x4/AWD is recommended.

Due to the unseasonably warm temperatures, we felt pretty good about driving up here and also embarking on the hike. There was some snow on the roads but it was mostly OK. Some trucks had created deep ruts in the snow. At about 1.5 miles from the trail head parking, we decided to park the Subaru for fear that it might get high-centered on the hard-packed snow with those ruts. Something about the better part of valor and all that. Plus, none of us minded an extra little bit of hike added to the brilliantly sunny afternoon. The hike up to the lookout was fantastic: in short sleeves too. It was about 44 degrees today, but the 1000-ft gain sure heats a body up quickly. No jacket required. As you get to the flat-ish area with all the beargrass, there is quite a bit of snow. Other people had done the post-holing before us so we just followed their boot prints. Of course, AMAZING views all around once we got to the lookout.

Tried to make it to the trailhead but was surprised when we hit some snow at about mile 12, which we managed to get through though high centered several times, and then again at mile 13. Had we had our suv we could have made it however the subaru got stuck pretty good the second time and we weren't wanting to risk getting stuck on the way out. Could have hiked in however we were limited on time as this was our 2nd destination of the day. Be prepared if you go up there for the last bit to have snow. We'll be back with the truck! :)

Road has snow and ice, while not impassable, a downed tree makes reaching the trailhead impossible by vehicle.