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.

Wildflowers all the way up and beautiful. Balsam root is in bloom on hillsides 

very windy that day, bring layers for the exposed section and top! 

Hiked up with a co-worker April 29th what a perfect day arrived the trail head at 6:15 encountered only one person at the junction and less than 5 at the summit. Took the more difficult up and yes indeed it was more difficult. Trail is very well maintain and what a beautiful place to relax at the top wild flowers are blooming. I was blown away by the flying turkey lol I didn't realized I was able to capture it until I got home it was just a random shots and there she was😁. 

On a clear day, we were able to glimpse Mt Hood, St Helens, and part of Adams. 

Finally, I was able to get to the Columbia River and hike the Dog Mountain loop and see what all the fuss is about. I arrived at 7:30am and there were already 10 cars in the lot, with more cars every 3-4 minutes it seemed.  I didn’t use the shuttle so I can’t speak on how that was doing.  If you don’t have a NW Forest Pass, they do have permit envelopes so you can pay the $5. but bring a pen to write your info on the envelope, as there may not be one there.  Also if you go over the Bridge of the Gods it’s a $2 toll each way (cash or card)..  This (04/17/21) was the last weekend before permits are needed, and since I had trouble getting one online, I thought I would take my chance today.  Masks on the trail were sporadic at best and it seems it’s a wee bit early for flowers yet.  There were trilliums to be sure, and a few other flowers were beginning to show, but as for the rest I think another week or so will encourage them to burst forth.  Unless I’m mistaken the bench at Puppy Lookout is gone, but perhaps I missed it, I would have used it if I had seen it!. However, it was a beautiful sunny day, and the views were terrific!   The trail is easy to follow so I would definitely suggest a sunrise hike.  All in all it was a good hike in which to give my muscles a rude awakening, and plenty of time to get some photo’s in. I did try the Augspurger Mountain trail, but coupled with a number of blow downs, trail debri, and my legs starting to say “no” about half way through that section, I gave it up for another day.  However if your looking for quiet – that’s the trail.

All in all a good hike with some good views, including a peek at Mt Hood, and a better peek at  the south side of Mt. St. Helen’s.  – just wish I’d seen more blooms!  (perhaps next time)