Even though the weather was not supposed to be great, we decided to go! Left Federal Way around 5am and made it to the trail head just shy of 0830. Parking lot already had about 15-20 cars. First half mile up is filled with switch backs, quickly gaining elevation. Once at the trail junction, we took the "difficult" route. Rain was coming and going. Eventually, we made it out of the trees and into the meadows. 0.5 miles to summit, we were blasted by sleat and extreme wind. We were already soaked from previous rain and could barely see ahead of us on the trail. The two of us and our dog followed a few other small hiking groups to a small sheltered area to wait it out and attempt to summit, as we could see the sun partially coming out over the Columbia. After a few minutes we tried to carry on, but the sleet continued. It was extremely difficult to just walk because it was pelting our faces and our hands were getting so cold from being wet. It was hard to see in front of us. Most people at that point turned around and we decided to do the same, sadly. We deemed that it was not safe to push on. It took us a good 45 minutes to warm our hands up as we decended back into the trees. Coming down was a slippery mess, lots of mud and more rain. Was butt hurt about not summiting because I've never turned around before finishing, but I'm glad we played it safe. Lots more people going up, I hope the weather improved. Back down to the car by 1130, after many stops for pictures, removing layers, etc. Wildflowers were stunning, even in the gloomy and cloudy conditions. Hope to be back next spring, but will hope for sunshine! WTA states that this hike is 6 miles RT. Signage at trailhead states 3.8 miles to summit on the "difficult" trail. I would rate this as a moderate hike with a few steep and tiring sections, if you have done Mt Eleanor, you could easily compete this hike.

Started early so ascended via Dog Mtn Trail and descended via Augspurburger Trail. Flowers in bloom in forest include: vanilla leaf, ballhead waterleaf, Hookers fairybell, fairyslipper, mission bells, Dutchman's breeches, yellow and a few violet violas. For the main show up top: plenty of arrowleaf in bloom, mainly on eastern side as well as larkspur. Not much paintbrush up top. There is some lupine in bloom lower down in open portions of the forest, but all that I saw up top were not producing flower stalks. I would consider the conditions, based on quite a few trips up here this time of year, to be at or near peak bloom.

Gorgeous day for a hike and enough parking available when we arrived about 8:30am.  Balsamroot yellow flowers aplenty on the mid-level but not yet blooming on the top. We took the difficult way up and the longer way down to be easier on the knee. However if I had to do it again, I would take the more difficult way down so that I can backtrack a bit to enjoy the balsamroot down. The longer way down didn't have balsamroot flowers blooming and it is mostly wooded trail.  Will have to return in few weeks to see the balsamroot flowers at the summit. It is very windy and chilly on top so bring your layers. 

This was my first time on this trail - simply beautiful, simply steep!  I knew from previous pictures that it would be beautiful, and from the stats that it would be difficult - both were accurate!  We arrived on a Tuesday morning at 9:00 to a parking lot that was 90% full.  The trail was busy, but we avoided a lot of crowds on the way down by taking the Agsperger Trail - easier on the knees but it added about a mile - and that extra mile was worth it.  Many lowland/woodland flowers were in bloom; once we got into the open the Balsam Root just took over with some Lupine and Paintbrush in the mix.  It was much cooler and WINDIER at the top - we were glad to have an extra layer to put on.  We saw three volcanoes from the peak - Mt. Hood was easy to spot; you had to look for St. Helens and Adams.   

We had permits but i had to work in the morning so we planned on an evening hike. Much better anyway!

Arrived at 445 and on trail by 5 pm. Parking lot was already half empty. We met about 8 parties coming down. Had just one other group at the top for five minutes and otherwise the meadow entirely to ourselves. Stayed til a little before 7 and went down the longer way getting back to parking about 815. Only two other cars in the lot by then. We didn't see a single person the whole descent.

A little early for the flowers. Many on the upper reaches haven't opened yet, give it another two weeks.

Saw two bald eagles right at the summit. I think they have a nest in a tree just a hundred meters northeast. A little exploring and you might find it.

Definitely go in the evening, or if you need to take west facing pictures, hike up at 4 am so you can be on top for early morning light and before the crowds.