This trail's popularity speaks for itself -- and WTA's incredibly thorough and helpful trail description says the rest. I recommend taking screenshots for reference on the trail. A few things I'll add:

• I arrived a little after 8:00am and, despite being the only car on the road for miles, showed up to probably 50 cars in the lot and on the road. The trail register showed that 25 parties had already gotten started. When I got back around 2:30pm (2.5 hours up; a little more coming down; snack and sun at Foggy Lake), there were some 70 parties in the register and probably 100 cars on the road. Despite this, I didn't find the trail particularly packed. The most brutal stretches created some bottlenecks, but most people found their own pace, and I had significant stretches of solitude on both the ascent and descent. I wouldn't say I saw any true crowds until Foggy Lake. Of course, this many hikers in one place can quickly become unpleasant or damaging to the environment, and my positive experience was partially dependent on the fact that almost everyone seemed to be committed to leaving no trace -- please keep up the good work, Washington! 
  
  
• I'm embarrassingly prone to losing the trail, and I had two moments of confusion on the way up. First, about 2.5 miles in, there is pretty significant treefall blocking the trail. I somehow wandered around the downed trees, traversed the hill, and had to drop down on some unsuspecting hikers like Spiderman. On the way back down, it became apparent that you just need to go over, not around, the trees (duh). Second, as other reports have noted, the initial "stream crossing" after crossing into DNR land is currently a small waterfall over a narrow, but steep, gully. It turned out to be a super simple crossing, but I didn't even register the possibility at first and kept looking for another switchback. Of course, once I looked up a little and saw the trail pick up on the other side, the path was obvious. I literally said "oh" out loud, made a face, and got on with the day.
  
  
• As other reports have also noted, the area is blissfully and shockingly low on mosquitoes. I saw various biting bugs but never felt overly bothered. Without any bug spray, I managed to get out with just a bite or two. But I did get swarmed by bees or wasps on the road walk, which was rather unnerving. And between Gothic Basin and Foggy Lake, there are beautiful patches of heather in bloom, drawing out lots of similar stinging pollinators. Those seemed thoroughly uninterested in people, but there were moments when their collective buzzing created an audible hum. A gentle reminder to stay on the trail.
  
  
• This is a perfect trail for using a water filter or filtered bottle. Due to the grade and exposure on the uphill, I drank more water than I have on any other similar trail this season. But also due to the grade and exposure, I would hate to lug in all that water up front, and there are plenty of picturesque water sources along the way.

Other than that, the rumors are true. This trail is an absolute banger, but it should be approached with a little respect. While I'm in awe of what trail crews have achieved here, heading back down the rocky stretches is slow, a little stressful, and seriously grueling for the knees. In return, you get an incredible variety of ecosystems, a smidge of fun scrambling, and a great day in the Cascades.

Today's company: a flock of friendly Pacific Wrens -- potentially a family with fledglings; a quick little garter snake; grasshoppers that click when they fly; Apollo butterflies; a Douglas Squirrel; some kind of swift or swallow at Foggy Lake; possibly a lowland pika (heard but not seen); ripening thimbleberries; and lots of good smells from conifers and wildflowers. 

We always remember how awesome Gothic Basin is and forget how boring the first couple of miles of the trail are!

The parking lot and sides of the road were overflowing with cars at 8 am. However, the trail didn't seem crowded on the way in given that area services multiple trails. Once the trail started going up, it was as fun as ever .. lots of rocks to clamber over, wildflowers and berries for distraction and waterfalls to cool off. Kong's Tower is as fun and refreshing as ever. There are a couple of giant downed trees along the way but it is easy to climb over or go around them. The basin is gorgeous, tons of wildflowers - we saw avalanche lilies, asters, heather, columbines, indian paintbrush. However, the upper basin has widening braided trails, clearly a sign of excessive traffic. The lake was more crowded than I've ever seen it. Views of Monte Cristo peaks are gorgeous. We didn't attempt Gothic Peak and Del Campo this time, hoping to be back in early fall.

The amount of work done on this trail is incredible. Deep gratitude to all the work parties that have improved the way to the lower basin and placed markers in the upper basin to minimize impact on the fragile vegetation.

Like always, a 10/10 experience!

When you reach tree across trail: it is at switchback. Look left, you will see trail. No need to climb over tree. (we did, thinking trail continues, then realized trail switch backs and had to climb back over the tree, haha). Fab Views at Foggy Lake. The little flags mark the trail. (thank you, flag fairy) Continued towards saddle below del Campo for a view down onto foggy lake. Fun times.

What a great time to visit! Sunny, not too hot, not too cold, the lake in the basin a great temp for swimming, wildflowers, and some ripe blueberries in the top half of the trail. It was super busy however, with what seemed to be few established campsites left in the early afternoon and folks still arriving into the evening hours. That being said, the terrain sort of forces everyone to spread out, so it was still peaceful & quiet. The ground is rocky and rooty, hard to dig into which unfortunately has led to noticeable surface waste :( A challenging last two miles but totally worth it for the absolutely breathtaking landscape! 

Quick overnight to foggy lake

Trail crews have carved out steps in some of the more tricky terrain, other trail reports have posted photos

Theres no sign for the composting toilet at foggy lake,, see photos for approximate location

Bugs were not too bad at night

Campsites were limited, even on a weekday. I’d recommend an early start to get a spot.

We were able to use tent stakes instead of using rocks

Would recommend bringing a bear can, as wta recommends, as there are no trees to hang food from