Walk from gate was easy, saw a herd of elk in the river! After crossing the bridge to the trailhead could not locate the trail! Lots of trees down and frozen snow on ground. Tried following the tracks in the snow but they led to a snarl of downed trees, no obvious, or even not so obvious path!

Turned around and hiked Big Creek instead, excellent option!

Lots of trees still blocking the trail.  Between that and the snow, it was slow to navigate.  Not impossible if you have a gps, some basic tracking skills, and can keep yourself oriented to the river.  Took about 4 hours to do the loop (just over 5 miles with the road walk) with a 4yo in tow.  

The trail has a lot of downed trees across it and there is still a good amount of snow making it not as easy as it probably is in the summer. The road to the trail is clear but the gate is locked so it’s about a mile easy walk to the trailhead. Overall it was a very enjoyable hike, plan on going back in the summer to see the difference. 

I went to Staircase a few weeks back. Snowshoeing in from the causeway was not to difficult. After crossing the bridge the trail was obscured due to down trees and snow.

Drove out to Staircase today to hopefully hike the Rapids loop. ONP page said road closed, but was not specific. Thought I'd risk it and see for myself.

The road along Lake Cushman was deeply potholed and slow going. Assorted rocks, boulders, and trees along the road required maneuvering around. 

Once finally arrived at the park gate, we found it closed. Considered hiking in, but then remembered the back way in, up the road. Backtracking to the bridge at the top of the lake, you cross and drive up the road a ways to find the trailhead on the right. The road was only passable up until the DryCreek trailhead parking area. The road beyond is hidden by fallen trees and snow. 

Luckily it was a beautiful day for a drive. Not so much for a hike. 

P.S. Mount Rose trailhead is accessible and open. Next time i'm opting for that trail.