Workers put up bridge over creek while I was hiking. Should be good now. Quite warm with lack of shade but gorgeous day.

Short and slow hike to some great views of snow capped mountains. This hike doesn't take too long, but is quite exposed so take lots to drink and apply that sun cream!

Even in 55F, we got through several bottles of water.

There is a slightly precarious river crossing that just takes a little hop to overcome.

The trail is fairly straightforward and obstacle-free, taking you through beautiful scenery with minimal challenges. Crossing Colonial Creek is easy with good hiking boots, or by rock hopping, though there are also downed trees that can be used to balance across if you’re comfortable with that. Beyond the creek, the trail steadily ascends toward the vista point. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Diablo Lake, Sourdough Mountain, and Pyramid Peak. While the hike itself is fairly uneventful, it offers a peaceful way to experience this part of the Cascades, especially for those with limited time. 

Bridge has been removed for the winter but you can cross the stream on a log or rock hop. Just look upstream to the left for a clear crossing. No need to cross directly where the bridge is normally located.

The dogs and I really enjoyed this trail, but wouldn't have as much if there had been no view.  I would definitely choose clear days to do this hike. The elevation gain is pretty easy-going with many switchbacks bringing you up on top of a hill with a view at the end of Diablo Lake and the peaks surrounding.  I'm glad I did this in winter as well, because the mountain peaks were all covered in fresh white.  So beautiful! At about a mile in there is a pretty view of Colonial Peak.  There are benches at all the prettiest spots, which is really nice. It was very peaceful! 

Important to note:  there is no bridge over the large stream/small river at the beginning.  I balanced on a log on the way in, but it did end up having a little ice at the end, so it was a miracle I made it.  On the way out I knew the car was close with dry socks and shoes so I just waded through. The temperatures were in the 30s so I wouldn't have done that if I was just starting the hike.  I think if you had poles it would help, or even put your traction on your shoes and cross the logs that way.   There are several logs to choose from but most looked pretty skinny so harder to balance on.  I didn't go too far up or downstream to see if there were any better crossings.

Additionally while there was no snow on the trail on 12/31 there were some little patches with ice.  I didn't find any that I felt I needed to put traction on for, but there are wet areas that could be slicker on colder days.