It was a pretty easy drive to the trailhead, only the very last portion to the parking lot had a little dip that might necessitate some careful maneuvering with a low-clearance vehicle. There were only two other cars there on the Thursday I went. I showed up somewhat late (for me), around 11a, knowing there was a heavy morning fog, and was hoping it would burn off, though it never really did. At least it gave the meadows a really dream-like appearance. At the top, the adjacent peaks were still shrouded in clouds, so I never got to experience the true view, but it was peaceful. The trail is easy to follow, with no notable blow-downs. There are a lot of ripe blueberries to gather near and at the top right now to supplement your trail snacks.

What a gem of a hike! Beautiful views, gentle elevation gain and the trail is in great condition. Was pleasantly surprised to find there weren't any flies or mosquitoes. Bring a towel and dip your feet in the river afterward for a nice treat! 

Solitude for those who dont find the quiet disquieting. I was the first car in the lot at 8:45 on a holiday weekend, and encountered maybe 10 people over the course of the hike. Being the first on the trail has many benefits, the least of which is being first to meet every spider web constructed over the last week. We may consider it to be huckleberry season, but the arachnids wished to remind me that it's their time with mummification by ten thousand strands of spider silk across the path. I like to think this guarded me from mosquitoes, because I had no real trouble with them today. You're welcome for clearing those.

As for berry season, the top 1/3 of this hike is rife with huckleberries, but you'll need a keen eye or an undiscerning palate to pick them out of the absolutely overwhelming quantity of blueberries along the trail. It's not a bad problem to have, just "bear in mind" that you're not the only one looking for berries to eat out there.

Overall, for a trail comprised almost exclusively of switchbacks, it's neither dull, nor a grind. The grade is (thanks to these switchbacks) rather consistent and not particularly gruelling. The changes in scenery between exposed meadows with expansive views and forested canopy cover with cooling shade make for a pleasant hike on a well developed trail. The payoff at the top is a full 360° Cascades panorama prominently featuring Rainier, Glacier Peak and the mountains cradling Blanca Lake (not itself pictured, but you can see the ascent as a gentle reminder of why you may have picked this hike instead).

Especially with the reopening of Index-Galena road, I don't expect this trail to remain a secret for long (the trip reporter's dilemma). The drive in is comfortable, with a pothole here and there to avoid, but is passable for any vehicle without difficulty. Backcountry toilet within the first couple hundred feet of the trailhead on the left.

Arrived at 9:30 on a Saturday and there were only 2 other cars in the lot. I saw a total of 5 groups for the entirety of the hike. The first 2/3 are through shaded old growth forest. The last portion takes you out of the forest and you can see the surrounding mountains. There are lots of blueberries and huckleberries on this portion. Very beautiful scenery and mountains at the top - but very hot. When descending, there is a lot more sun exposure than going up - but you get a nice mix of sun and shade. Plenty of cute birds and chipmunks on the trail too!

The drive on Index-Galena Road is really pretty - it takes you along the river and through old growth mossy forest. There is about 2-3 miles of dirt at the very end. It is very passable even with a sedan - just go slow to avoid the potholes and rocks.

Arrived at about 1:30pm on a very hot Sunday afternoon, maybe one reason there were only 3-4 cars in the lot. Ran/hiked to the summit (70 min) and ran back down (40 min); didn't see anyone on the descent. Views are spectacular, especially of Index and Glacier. Massive clusters of tasty blueberry and huckleberry bushes are everywhere on the top half of the hike.