Drove out to Mount Rose to get some exercise and avoid lightning forecast in other areas. The road in is in pretty good shape. The gravel portion of FR24 appears to have been recently graded. The trail head parking has some potholes. There are signs that the TH parking is closed due to bridge replacement. The new bridges are in, and quite nice! Several cars were parked there. We didn't have a problem. We put on our packs and began toiling up the 3500 foot gain. It was humid. We found a light drizzle at Horse Camp at 3030. Plenty of forest flowers were out, tiger lilies, queen's cup, creeping dogwood, tiarella. Above Horse camp we did the left side of the summit loop first. We encountered four or five downs to hop over or crawl under. By this time we were thoroughly damp. But it would've been worse inside of rain gear. Out of the green trees and in the burn area the trail gets a little vague. The area is coming back from the 2006 fire but it's still fragile, so keep a careful eye for the maintained trail as you toil up. We met our friends on the summit and enjoyed a damp snack and visits from curious camp robbers. Then we headed down the north side of the loop along the narrow ridge. The flowers put on a colorful show along the ups & downs of the ridge, harebell, phlox, penstemons. After the ridge is a long steep decent to Horse Camp and then the long steep walk down to the trail head. The entire is snow free and in pretty good shape except for a few narrow spots. Watch for slick roots & rocks. If you're new to Mt. Rose bring plenty of water. Expect plenty of cardio on the way up and rubbery legs as you return to the cars. If you're looking for a conditioner, this one counts.

A few down trees, and a few spots where water is on trail. No snow. It was a beautiful hike, the views from the top were great. We saw alot of people on the hike, some in flip flops and others not knowing how long the hike was or even where they we going. When we got to the loop we went left the shorter, but steep way up. I would sugjest that going up on the left and coming down the right ,as coming down the left with all the lose rock and grade may cause for a slip. Had a great day. Very muggy out!

Definitey a thigh-burner but well worth it! Stunning views of Lake Cushman, North Fork Skokomish River valley, Copper Mountain, and Mount Ellinor. Lots of wildflowers blooming to top it off. Not a ton space on the summit to hang out but plenty of nice spots to rest and chow near the top. I would recommend taking the trail to the left when you reach the junction at Horse Camp. It's shorter but steeper and the other trail will be easier on your knees on the way down. Plus the views of Copper Mtn and Mt Ellinor would be at your back if you take the trail to the right on the way up. Keep you eye out for the tree that splits into four when the return trail heads down off the ridge. We started at 9:30am and only saw a few hikers on the way up but the hike got quite a bit more crowded in the early afternoon. Might be due to the Mt Ellinor closure so hopefully it will get back to being less crowded once that opens back up. All in all a great hike if you're up for a solid workout.

Five of us were looking for a non-buggy, not too crowded, moderate climb for a warm day, and found it on Mt Rose. After a sweaty climb through pretty woods, we lounged on the summit boulder enjoying the views of the south Puget Sound, hazy Mt Rainier, and Lake Cushman, before descending for a refreshing swim. Dinner at the Sisters cafe was accompanied by the entertainment of five swallows who had just left their nest but were still keeping their parents busy feeding them.

Did this hike with my husband and father in law. The snow is almost completely gone off the trail and the few areas that do have snow on them are not bad. The trail was well maintained and there were only 2 or 3 trees down across the trail, which could easily be climbed over or had a small detour around them. It was a magnificant hike with a great view at the summit.