Picked this trail in hopes that the road was clear. Slight snow patches about 2 miles from the TH and then deep snow (2 ft, too deep for my Subaru) a mile away. Was unable to make it to the top and had to turn around. Hopefully should be clear in a couple weeks.

While a lot of the Puget Sound area was covered by a mostly high fog, about 6 miles into the Baker Lake Rd, it cleared off and there wasn't a cloud in the sky (very unusual)! I was taking my 5-yr old grandson on a hiking/picnic. It was a spontaneous decision, so we got a late start and didn't arrive at the TH until almost 2 PM; there was only one other car there and we met only two cars coming down and only one hiker/dog on the trail (probably lite use because of our late start). The first 1-1.5 miles on FS 12 road had significant potholes that were a little hard to see in tree shadows, but beyond turnoff to Schreiber Meadows, road was in pretty good condition for the next seven miles. We took the Dock Butte branch first, and as expected, it was relatively steep with a lot of rocks and tree roots. We encountered snow at about 1.4 miles in, so we stopped there because grandson didn't have good traction boots. Had some nice peekaboo views of Mt.Baker/Shuksan and some Fall color. A few damp spots on trail, but no running water. Went back down and took the Blue Lake trail; trail was in pretty good shape, but encountered many rocks/tree roots last 1/4 mile. Hiking book says there is 70' elevation loss to lake, but it was a relatively gentle up-and-down until the last 60-70 yards to the lake, which was very steep and mostly a tangle of tree roots. Several damp/muddy spots and a few trickles of water across trail, but I could see that because of the drainage slopes some areas would have some significant water crossing it during the late Spring early summer snow melts. All in all, both trails were very scenic and a good short hike for families, although sections of it would be a challenge for 4-6 yr. old children.

The road to the trailhead is still completely clear. After looking around the trailhead, I decided to leave the snowshoes in the car. I was to regret this decision above 4000 feet or so. However, I made it up to the Butte with poles and low-top hiking shoes without too much trouble. I did see a couple other groups turned back by the conditions, and I'd recommend some kind of traction devices, and poles, from here on out. The clouds never quite lifted off of the top of Baker and Shuksan, but everyone else was fully visible: the Twin Sisters, Glacier, Puget Sound and the Olympics, Baker Lake, Park Butte, Loomis, Anderson Butte, and many more. What a view! The trail to Blue Lake is wet, but snow-free.

Our group believes the Sedro Wooley exit off I-5 north of Burlington is the better/faster one to take; Cook Rd connects to St Rte 20 a few miles further east. The drive along Baker Lake Rd is pleasant, paralleling river. Look for the big wood sign "Mt Baker-Snoqualmie Natl Forest" and immediately after turn left onto gravel road. If you reach the T-intersection of Baker Lake Rd then you've gone too far. We followed the signs to "Blue Lake" on this steep, narrow gravel road. Some published directions refer to this road as FR#12 and then it becomes FR#1230. We did not see any such named road signs. At the first fork stay left; do not go to Schrieber Meadow. Eventually there is another fork and also stay left. After a ~3-4 miles the road terminates at the parking area with privy and kiosk at trailhead. Shortly up the trail you'll find a box to sign in at. We started at 10:30am, had a 30min lunch, rested/took in the views a few times here and there along the way, and returned to car at 3:00pm. We walked to the top of Dock Butte and then over to Blue Lake (see low sign along trail). Someone said the trail section to Blue Lake was 0.5 mi one way. I estimate our total hiking distance was 5.5 miles., Bugs?--I saw one fly. Dogs?--I saw three on top of Dock plus three more flew by. People?--I counted nine hikers plus one guy with a rifle who said he was hunting grouse. We did not hear any gunfire though there were a pile of feathers and a bird carcass in the parking lot. The trail was easy enough: some steep areas, some rutty areas, some rocky areas, some muddy areas. Everywhere it was beautiful--alot of heather, gorgeous conifers, fabulous views, a few reflection pools, pretty meadows, and gigantic mushrooms. Near the top of the Butte there are a couple short 7-10ft rock climbing sections which might be difficult for little kids. Attach your poles to your backpack and use your hands. From the top I saw a Northern Harrier, Circus cyaneus, soaring below and to the North. Fall foliage?--only a tinge of color in the ground cover in a few places. No plants in bloom. Some of the exposed rock on top of the butte was orange. At first I thought it was painted on, especially where someone etched in words, but another rock looked more naturally orange. Does anyone know whether this color is a mineral or paint?--see photo.