21 people found this report helpful
There are several recent trip reports for this trail, so I'll keep this brief.
As mentioned, the large boulder that was partly in the road 1/4 mile from the trailhead was pushed or pulled to the side. Skidmarks were still visible.
The road gets pretty rough at the end, but -of course!!!- there was a Prius at the trailhead.
Trail is 100% melted out to the ridge, then about 70% snow with a good boot path to the false summit at the end of the official trail. Trail runners (no poles or microspikes) were an excellent choice.
True summit: the true summit is a few hundred feet further West along the summit ridge from where the trail ends. There is a climber's trail to the true summit, but it is (in my opinion, feel free to correct me in the comments) a class 3 scramble with significant exposure. I did not take my dog on the scramble. I would say VERY FEW dogs could make it.
5 people found this report helpful
There was snow at the last 900’ of the trail, but it was manageable and worth it.
At the top, on a clear day, you can see Rainier way off in the distance, Whitehorse, Glacier, and Baker. 360 degrees of mountains. You can see the Skagit River and Valley for miles. Sauk Lake is below you and still partly covered with ice.
There is a large boulder in the road, but you should be able to go around it.
There was no toilet paper at the pit toilet, so make sure to bring some.
8 people found this report helpful
A short lovely hike. Part 1, a wonderfully constructed switchback trail up the green slope. (Skip the tempting cutthroughs -- they are damaging the trail.) Then you hit the ridge and turn to the back side, Part 2, quickly in snow -- zero problem on the boot trail with poles. Photo #1 shows some of the two parts: snow free on the right, snow boot path left.
The trail ends at a "summit" slightly lower than the highest.
Great views on top in all directions. To the west, you watch the Skagit wind its way. To the east, those Cascade mountains. North, Baker and Shuksan. South, Glacier Peak, Whitehorse, and many I'm not sure to name. Should have brought binoculars.
The road up is fine (apart from some sneaky potholes) until near the top, where it takes care. I expect any car could do it, but reasonable clearance is more comfortable. On the way up, there was a huge rock in the road; it had been cleared out when I went down.
When you do hit snow on the far side, the boot trails are excellent -- no problem (at least with boots and poles to avoid slips). On top, it's roomy and snow free, with places to sit and enjoy the views. When I arrived at the lot at 1 pm, there were plenty of cars and still space for more.
2 people found this report helpful
After you turn off HWY 20, the 7 miles to the trail head are along a dirt road. There are potholes but it should be feasible for any car going slow. It took us 30-40 min to drive the seven miles in a Subaru wrx.
Parking lot and hike is completely snow free except for the last half mile at the very top. Some small wildflowers along the way and a few marmots. Bugs were buzzing all over the place and were an annoyance but didn’t seem to bite after applying bug spray.
The trail is very narrow and exposed to the sun the first 1.5 mi, as you’re taking switchbacks up the side of the mountain. People with a fear of heights might not enjoy it but it’s nice because you have a view the whole way. Using a hiking pole was helpful on the way down.
The last half mile with the snow is a bit treacherous - there’s a packed boot path but very narrow and slippery and a few spots you are off trail and there’s big air pockets under the snow you could easily fall through. I would not recommend hiking the last half mile until the snow has melted enough that you can see the trail. The views from the top are the same view you’ve seen along the way.
Total hike time was 2 hr 40 min.