The trail is free of snow and mud and in great condition. We did the loop and added in the Don’s Cutoff side trail. This side trip has two advantages: first, we saw NO ONE on that trail even though the main trail was packed; second, there is a pristine (at least today) privy (pictured below) at the end of the trail when it rejoins the road that will eventually lead back to the trailhead. No need to head into the woods if nature calls while you are completing the loop! 

Weird weather when we hiked--hot at the bottom, rainy and muggy, then drier and cold, with clouds blowing in and out.  We had zero views from the top due to the clouds, but in spring time, you expect some variation.  The sneaked views we got were amazing though, would absolutely hike this again on a very clear day.  

I hiked the Hamilton Mt. trail starting at 7:30 am.  I paid the $10 day fee.

I started the hike and shortly arrived at Rodney and Hardy falls cut off.  Past the falls and over the bridge, stairs up and out were muddy and slippery.

Within1/4 mi. the trail forks.  Left to Harney Creek and right to Hamilton Mt.  I took a left.  My only issue was limited signage and trail markers.  I got to Don's Cutoff via the Hardy Creek trail, and after a mile or so I got to a sign that read Don's cutoff with the main road/trail heading south(right) and a small foot trail (straight North) with a sign that said open only foot traffic.  Please move the Don's Cutoff sign 50 feet to the right with an arrow pointing right.  That way there would be no reason to take the small foot trail that goes straight.  My mistake.  I took the smaller foot trail and after a compass reading 10 minutes later I knew I was going the wrong way.  I had a small non-detailed map from a trail book that was of little use.  My fault I did not have a topo map (#428 Bridal Veil).  Anyway I get back to Don's cutoff and get to the saddle.  Find the marker to Hamilton Mt. to the right.  I proceeded to the right (south) toward the summit of  Mt. Hamilton.  Again the map I had showed the trail going back to the trailhead.  Unclear to me I got off a side trail at the top (east of the main trail) and after 10 minutes of bushwaking steep terrain I returned to the summit.  Luckily another hiker showed me the main trail back down.  Only a small pink tag was on a tree that was an indicator this was the main trail.  This spot needs to have a marker.  With the trail number, mileage info anything to help.  Maybe there was a marker and the weather knocked it down, I am not sure.  I could make you some markers and put them up for you or flag some more trees with colored tape.   Once I got back to the this trail I was fine.  It was an adventure, a great workout and beatiful day.  I got some great pictures but please see if you can help us navigate the area a little better. 

Thanks........Frank Black

Hiked this trail with my tweener kids (12 and 10 years) and we all loved it. We arrived at the parking lot at 12:30 pm and plenty of spaces were available. Although we started trekking in a downpour and the rain continued intermittently throughout our hike, the water didn’t dampen our spirits! The trail is snow free although muddy in areas and the section above the first view point is basically walking up a stream — but totally fine with waterproof shoes. 

For us, the high points were 6 waterfalls of all sizes during this melting, spring season (including the powerful Rodney Falls, the sweeping views of the first view point, and lush deep green mossy wonderland of the forest. We also appreciated the solitude of a weekday hike — we encountered less than 20 people on the trail.