Another great day in the Cascades. Too bad I didn't choose a clear day to hike to this wonderfully repaired fire lookout. It was cloudy and foggy so visibility was about 500 feet. However, wildflowers were blooming all the way up, and the trail--1.7 miles one-way--is a good, short workout. Many thanks to the volunteers who created the rock steps on the first part of the trail, in place of the "ascent-with-rope" section! No goats visible today.

Hit the trail with my wife and two boys (7 and 5 yrs old) at about 9:30. The directions to the trailhead were easy to follow. The trail was not crowded at all - just one couple coming down as we went up, and two or three on their way up in the afternoon when we were heading down. We had a great hike and enjoyed lunch at the top while soaking in the sun - can't beat that! The trail is in great shape and offers some really spectacular views, even before reaching the lookout. There's a pretty steep section that cuts up through a rock face before you reach the meadow at the top. My 7 year old handled it just fine, but I ended up carrying my 5 yr old most of the way up and all the way down (he was tired, but even so, I wouldn't have let him walk down on his own...far too steep and loose for a child that age). All in all, this is a great short day hike with a heck of a pay off at the top. One warning though. One recent trip report mentioned ticks in this area, and we can verify that they're still active. We did body checks at the top and before getting into the car and didn't see anything, but when we got home, sure enough, a tick came off my wife in the shower. Don't let this dissuade you from heading up there, but be mindful to check for ticks when you're through. Happy trails!

Beautiful, peaceful hike! Directions to the trailhead was easy to follow. There were a few rock slides along the forest road, but nothing big enough to block car access. The hike itself was moderately steep, but there are plenty of places to stop and catch your breath and enjoy the view! There were still some patches of snow on the ground near the top, but the trail was still visible.

The road to the trailhead is now snow free now. Wildflowers are blooming! We saw phlox, paintbrush, violets and many that I don't know the names of. The bear grass is plentiful and just starting to open. The lower third of the trail is steep and rocky. There are great views of Mount Rainier, lots of flowers and some neat rock formations. The middle section still has a lot of snow. There are tracks to follow, some post holing happened. There are tons of huckleberry bushes that should have tasty treats for late summer visitors. The trail on top is flat and snow free. The view is amazing! The door to the lookout was unlocked=) As soon as we stepped up to sign the guest book a tick was on my arm and one was on Tom's head. It seems as though they dropped from the ceiling even though I know that is not likely. I killed one of them right there on the book and left it so others will be aware. Tom found another one while on the deck but may have picked it up wandering down below the lookout. FYI, there is a pit toilet down there. I sprayed OFF, found in the lookout, on myself and didn't have anymore on me when we got back to the car but Tom had four more. Don't let the ticks keep you from this great trail! Be prepared though. WTA has good info here: http://www.wta.org/signpost/hiking-in-tick-country

Had to park 1.3 miles from the trail head do to snow that was on the road. it was a easy walk to trail head. once on the trail the flowers are out in bloom. The trail was clear of snow till you get to the meadow on top. The meadow has about two to three feet of snow can't see the trail till you get to the lookout. Took about a hour to cross the snow field to the lookout. We were the second group to be up there this year.