Very muddy, was a stream of water on the trail more often than not and was glad to have my waterproof boots and gaiters. Was snow closer to the top, mostly along the side of the trail although a few slushy spots on the trail. Had microspikes with me but was never enough snow to be tempted to pull them out. Had rained earlier in the day so was water and snow clumps falling off the trees, was also glad I had my rain jacket with me and wore that most of the hike even though it wasn’t raining, just because of all the water coming off the trees. Someone was cleaning the bathrooms when I arrived so was nice they were clean and fully stocked. 

A joyless hike to get the wheels moving again after 2 week vacation and jet lag. Water and mud throughout the trail, slush and snow higher up. Raining off and on and many small snow bombs from the trees up high. Cloudy and no views at the summit. And to top it off, my earbuds would not work so I could not lose myself in a podcast. Woe is me! Still, exercise was had! And the skies were clearing once I got back to the parking lot, go figure. 

Skipped the haystack this time. Heard that a couple guys were going up, but I figured the rock was going to be wet. 

Stats: 7.6 miles, 3270' gain, 3:12 total time, negligible stop time

Gear: Goretex jacket and boots, put my rain cover on pack after a couple miles. Brought gaiters and spikes but never used, though my pants got pretty muddy. 

Trail was good. Some mud and puddles. Drizzling a bit. Some flurries at the rock scramble.

Chilly day on the trail with snow flurries at the top.  Arrived at the trailhead at 8:30am and spots were quickly filling up, the lot was almost full.  Bathrooms were stocked.  Trail was busy as expected, and some muddy spots but nothing too bad.  Barely any visibility from the top, but still a good day on the trail.  

With the precip upon us my goal was to find a tree covered trail, a good work out, some solitude, hopefully a fairy slipper sighting, and a hike that could be completed before a 1:00 meeting with a slightly late am start.  I managed to complete this goal but was most excited to see 1 Fairy Slipper just when I thought I would not.  

Got to the TH lot close to 9 am with 4 other cars.  Started with a steady drizzle and a bit bundled up under a light rain shell.  Removed some layers 0.5 miles in.  The second stream was running strong.  The trail is wet but no muddy sections.  Continuing on up at a steady pace with my eyes looking to the ridge up side of the switchbacks in search for flowers, specifically orchids.  There are tons of yellow violets to be seen and mosses are exploding with all the cool moisture.  I moved quickly to stay warm and found it was not raining hard enough to wear rain pants.  I saw no other hikers until close to the summit (amazing for this trail).  Stayed at the false summit for 20 minutes since I seemed to have the time then bundled up to head down.  There is no snow of course.  Saw one drenched Jay stalking my lunch.  Of note there is kind of a “garden of Trillium” at the intersection of the new and old trails near the summit but the flowers were closed today.  Quickened my pace for the descent being mindful of wet roots and rocks.  It was so nice not needing to dodge other uphill hikers today as there were only a few.  On the last switchback just before the bench and Rainforest Naturalist area with signs, there is major evidence of trail cutting to the left.  It seems hikers go off trail here to cut off this last piece of trail and avoid the Naturalist trail area.  It’s looks to be a popular cut off and it’s really trampled.  It’s not cool to cut switchbacks.   Best to stay on trail.  

On the last 1.2 mile, I looked to my left and saw 1 lone Fairy Slipper growing out of the ridge side.  It made my day.  It’s the little things!  Another great outing on a popular and much repeated mountain hike.