Still snowing at the top with a trace of snow for the last 1/2 mile, starting around 1,300 ft. Spikes would have helped, but I just relied on the tread of my boots. I also had to walk around a few of the usual mud puddles.

No views today, but plenty of parking available at 7:45am and 9:45am!

Feels so great to be able to check off the flower box once again.  Not too many other signs of spring on this trail but I did see some yellow violets blooming in the forest toward the top.  Trail is in good shape, just a few damp spots but no big mud zones.  The rocky step areas near the beginning are still eroding which means careful steps to avoid tripping in this lower section on the way back down.  With Issy school district on winter break there were all ages on this trail and although hiking up was quite quiet I must have stopped twenty times to let small and large groups go by on the way back down.  Come early if you want to park in the main lot.  It was 90% full when I arrived at 8:45 on a sunny Friday.

And now for the important beta.  If you take the service road back around from the north to the south take off points, you will avoid some of the crowds and there is a very nice tree stump close to the wind sock that makes a good break spot with views out to Mount Rainier.

With the views out over Lake Sammamish to the north, and to Mount Rainier to the south this is a hike best done on a sunny day, extra points if the entry way lion is not covered in frost!

Great morning hike with the dog, went up at 9AM and there were still parking spots open. came down at 10:40AM and parking was packed. Trail conditions were good, some muddy spots but easily avoidable. Great view for a sunny winter day.

Arrived to the parking lot around 8:45 AM and there were still a few parking spots available. I was surprised as it was President’s Day. Since it was a holiday, there were no paragliding. Incline the entire way, will consider the difficulty level as moderate. The trail is mainly covered with trees so that was nice. Great views at the top. Make sure to bring a snack to enjoy the views. My watched tracked over 4 miles for the hike. When we returned to our vehicle, around 11:30 AM, the parking lot was full and cars were circling trying to find a parking spot.

Finally did Poo Poo Point after hearing about it for what seems like my whole life. Hard to believe I had never done this hike. It was also my first hike of 2024--though a bit more of a workout than anticipated. Cloudy and cool day with a bit of drizzle. Parked by the historic train depot in downtown Issaquah at about 9:30 am.  Walked the Rainier Trail through Rainier Trail Park, past the Troll (my second visit with him), then onto the High School Trail, and then onto the Poo Poo Trail. Beautiful and green forest trail with great streams and waterfalls, though longer than I thought (should have read up more).  Only saw about 10 people which surprised me (6 of those were trail runners). Got up to the Point at 11:00. So, this is the famous paraglider launch area!  I'm sure it must be an incredible view on a clear, sunny day. I only stayed about 20 minutes as it was cold and beginning to drizzle again. Then had to decide to go back the way I came or head down the Chirico Trail. In order to experience the whole traverse, I decided to clamber down Chirico. Yes, pretty steep, and I was surprised by the amount of people coming up, even with the steepness, after seeing so few people on the Poo Poo Point trail. Counted about 60 coming up. Got down to the bottom parking and glider landing area at 12:00.  I had driven past here before over the years--now I understood the whole set up. Very full parking lot with people waiting for spaces.  What a dramatic trailhead! Archway, winged bear, intricate signs, American flags--quite an entrance. Then I had the road walk back into town. Walked along the shoulder of a very busy Issaquah/Hobart Road--didn't enjoy that very much. Turned right on 2nd St and reconnected with the Rainier Trail back to my car. With PPPT (4.2), Chirico Trail (2.3), and road walk (2.3) it came out to 8.8 for the day. No wildlife.  Next time I think I will just head back the way I came after the top. So, with this start, looking forward to this year's hikes!