Fun hike- we only went up to the bowl this time. There was a little frost and needle ice in the sunless bits, but no snow. Surprisingly little water for this time of year, the lower stream crossing was entirely dry. On the way down, we saw a fair amount of smoke drifting from off-trail below. After some running and bushwhacking, I found a couple guys with a campfire. I couldn't remember positively whether they were legal here (they're not, outside of established campsite fire rings), so didn't want to be aggressive about asking them to put it out. I did explain that their smoke was drifting across the trail and had alarmed several people, but they seemed unfazed. Lost my knife in the scramble to make sure it wasn't a more serious fire. Downer end to an otherwise pleasant day.

What a difference from when we first did this hike back in March 2013. At that time there was a quite bit of snow that started a little before 2 miles in and continued all the way to the top. This year, it's February and no snow at all! There were some areas of water on the trail but overall the trail is in good shape. It's a rocky trail but the great views at the top make it worthwhile. Lots of people and dogs out on the trail today. Views of Mt. Rainier from the summit were awesome. A Seahawks "12" flag still adorns the radio tower at the top.

Went for a "Valentine's Day" hike and wow were we surprised with a beautiful, challenging hike. Road conditions were great, trail conditions were really good save for just a little water on the trail, which is to be expected here anyways. We were going pretty slowly, taking lots of breaks, letting everyone pass us and it took us 2.5 hours to get up and 1.5 to get back down. Lots of people hiking with their dogs and it was a lovely day for it. Really rewarding views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, and Glacier Peak at the top.

Had a little jaunt to the summit for Valentine's Day up Mount Washington. The cloud coverage was really thick so we didn't get any views, although in some places it gave a surreal feel. It was pretty neat. Some mud and water spots on the trail, but nothing miserable. We had a soggy ascent but a sunny and dry descent, overall it was really nice. The cairn mentioned in the trail summary was pushed over and unrecognizable so Nicole did her best to build it back up so that other hikers can recognize the entrance to the trail off the logging road. Definitely a good alternative to Mount Si when its parking lot is jam packed and you're still looking for the elevation gain and mileage, there was plenty of parking and there was only a handful of fellow hikers on the trail. Hoping to return so I can experience the views at the top on a more clear day. PS: there was a lot of doggy poo bags, trash, beer bottles, and other junk along the trail. Picked up some here and there but I didn't have a good trash bag for a lot of it, but if you're willing bring one along and help clean up & teach others about Leave No Trace :).

Got a late start, so we turned around to get back before sundown and missed out on all of the awesome views. This trail was busier than I was expecting, but the clear weather might account for that. There were a few families with kids in the beginning, and lots of dogs. The trail is really steep and the gravel very loose, making this a bit of a tricky climb. There was also a lot of water on the trail for the first 2-3 miles. We got a late start and so had to turn around early to avoid hiking in the dark, so we missed out the gorgeous views.