On our way up around 1130 it was 36 and rainy near Enumclaw. Just past Greenwater it dropped to the low 30s and started snowing. 410 was OK, but the line of cars was going about 40 mph. As we drove higher up, conditions necessitated slowing to 30ish. We approached the lower entrance , but 7300 looked iffy so we drove up to Buck Creek and parked alongside the road as the lot is down a small hill and with the continuing snow, we felt safer above. In fact, the 2 cars which were parked there, upon leaving, built up a barrier to prevent entrance - as they must have had trouble getting out.

The upper trail for about 2 miles has 0-5 inches of snow, but as the trail meanders it's not overly difficult. As the trail gets down by the river, the snow is more slushy. All the while clumps of snow fall and sound as if a herd of Elk is charging from behind. The path up to the falls is slick, especially coming back down. I had 1 pole and managed to stay on my feet, but it was a challenge. Saw 2 couples the whole day and despite the low temps and lack of elevation gain, we were remarkably warm. I had to unzip my armpit vents about 2 miles in.

Very peaceful today.

One hundred yards up the trail from Rd 73(North end) there is a serious "widowmaker" hanging right over the trail.  Both tops of this tree have broken off and one has already fallen near the trail but this one is up there with no visible means of support.  Get by this as quick as you can...

From the south trailhead, we briefly checked out the trail that continues south to the "airport", before heading ~1.5 mi north, up to a junction where a side trail appears to head to a nearby summer camp. Along the way, we used one of several unofficial trails to get down to the river for a lunch stop.

Access. Right off SR-410. The short access road and parking lot were full of large, water-filled potholes. No toilet, but a garbage can and picnic table.

Conditions. No obstacles on the trail as far as we went. Stream crossings all had solid bridges, and despite the recent rain, there wasn't much water on the trail.

Flora & Fauna. Lots of mosses, some decent-sized trees.

Crowds. Encountered only one other person on the trail.

Beautiful day to hike this trail. We went about 2 miles down the trail with our 4yr old before we turned back, so we didn't see the falls. But the trail was a great mix of forest and peeks at the riverside. It was a perfect day about 65degrees and the forest smelled great, that warm leafy loamy fresh smell. We did see a brown bear about 1/4 mile in. He was sitting between the river and the trail and seemed to just be enjoying the view. We saw two scratched "BEAR" notes in the trail left by other hikers. Although we passed many other hikers, the trail didn't feel crowded. It was flat but not boring, very kid-friendly.

Hiked up from the southern trailhead. Trail was mostly empty and free of obstacles.