I actually didn't have time to make it to the top but wanted to share information on the viewpoints along the way. The trail is moderately steep and rocky. At 1.5 mi is a marked side trail to Salal Point. It is 0.3 mi and relatively flat to the view. The Salal Point view was surprisingly good. It has a minimally obstructed 180 degree view from Mt Si to Granite Peak. The point was also sunny at 10:30am. The next stop was Owl Hike Spot. This view straight west to Rattlesnake mountain was complimentary to Salal Pt but not nearly as wide angle. It would not receive any sun until afternoon. The 3rd stop was Pinnacle Vista. This side trail takes off to the right from the main trail at the pond. This 0.4 mi trail is very badly overgrown with brush. If you have a need for self flagellation then this is the trail for you. The view was nice but in the process of being overgrown. I don't think there will be any view in a few years. Definitely not worth the effort. At this point I had to head back down to make it to my sons baseball game. It is about 1.5 mi and 1000 more feet to get to the top of Mt WA from the pond 7.3 mi and 2200ft elevation gain. This trail is need of volunteers to kick away loose rocks. I probably kicked a few hundred. Just flick away those loose rolly polly rocks with your boot. If everyone contributed just a little then the trail would be in great shape.

Began the hike at about 11am and head out with a group six and a doggy. The trail is a great day hike! Way less foot traffic than Mt. Si or other big name trails. Gorgeous views, great elevation change without killing your legs, and lots different parts of nature to see.

This is a steep, stony trail for the first 2 miles. The trailhead itself is just off I-90 at exit 38. After a short, steep climb comes a road which branches down from the Iron Horse rail to trail. Proceeding west from the road junction is an unmarked path between two trees to the left. That is the beginning of the trail to Mt. Washington. There is one 12" blowdown not far from the entrance and another just before the climbers cave. Both are easily stepped over. There is no snow and only one nasty muddy stretch on the whole trail. A little beyond the Owl Lookout is a junction. Left is a long roundabout trail to the Great Wall. Right is a newer trail directly up Mt. Washington. Going up the new trail and returning via the Great Wall makes for an interesting 10 mile loop. Right after the junction is a stream crossing and more stony trail. Past the clearing is about 10 yards of slick ice which should melt out soon. From there to the pond is a really cobbly stretch like climbing up a dry river bed. After the pond is a horse barrier and from there is the newer part of the trail. This is a delightful relief after the stony sections. The summit is dry and the view of Mt. Rainier is stunning.

A beautiful day and great trail conditions. A good deal of mud about 40 minutes into the hike from all the melting snow. A few spots were slippery as a result, but nothing dangerous or extremely uncomfortable. Trail was busier than usual for a Sunday, especially around mid-morning. But the trail wasn't over-crowded.

Despite previous reports reporting no snow, there was definitely snow near the top across the trail, it was kind of icy and slippery, but passable, many people we passed were wearing sneakers, but poles would be a good idea, especially going down. Great views at the top.