SUM: Fabulous views, in all directions. Great hike, BUT: one monster pothole obstruction. Without which, I think, we'd have seen more cars -- such a great hike.

CARS/PEOPLE: This Monday: 3 other vehicles in parking lot when we arrived, 2 others when we left. On our way up, we met a guy coming down; on our way down, a pair coming up to overnight at the lookout. At the lookout, two overnighting parties (1 and 2 persons).

HUGE "POTHOLE" (see photo in aug.29 report of linzelmon88--as noted there, worse than it looks in the photo) only about 1/5 mile up from Cascade River Road. One vehicle parked back a bit on the Cascade River side of this pothole -- presumably not wanting to risk the pothole crossing. (Ouch, that's a long add to the hike up to the lookout). There were 2 vehicles in the lot when we left, so this vehicle seems to account for a night of 3 parties at the lookout. My AWD 2016 Mazda CX-5 has 8.5 inches clearance. I was worried but we found a way. Beyond this obstruction, the road still rewards alertness, but there is nothing nearly so bad later -- so get through this one, and you're good to go. Have a backup hike on tap if not? If I were coming back, I might come with a shovel (staying away from the sides, don't compromise the road). A fine citizen might bring in enough pea gravel and solve the problem.

VIEWS. All those raves aren't wrong. Fantastic. We risked rain and were rewarded with mountains rising out of morning fog. Just great.

TRAIL. Mostly quite okay. Some early bad stretches, and some side-of-path decay problematic in the future (not yet). Delightful wooden steps and bridges early. Variety, forest to meadow to rock to scaling. Tasty blueberries. Route finding challenges higher up. 

The road up is as described in the other reviews. I arrived Saturday morning at 7:30am on the Labor Day holiday weekend. The lot had about 4 spots left when I arrived. The lot when I left at about 1:00 pm had a few open spots and there were about 6-8 cars parked on the side of the road. It was hazy today so I didn't get the best views of the mountains but Baker did materialize a little bit.
The trail: Once out of the forest the trail becomes a bit overgrown for about 3/4 of a mile. Nothing too difficult to navigate. The only time it was an issue was when encountering other hikers and trying to step aside. The trail opens up after that with gorgeous views of the mountains. It's mostly exposed from this point so be prepared if the sun is out. The trail continues on the dirt path with the usual roots and rocks but after about 1.5-2 miles the trail becomes rocky. Easy to follow.
Once closer to Hidden Lake there are several trails, mostly social trails. Cairns did mark the way and an arrow was created out of rocks pointing the way in a couple of places.
I stopped above the lake and ate lunch on a boulder and did not go up to the lookout because the haze was obscuring the views somewhat. Others coming down did say it wasn't that bad to get up there. They mentioned light scrambling. I noticed a few bugs buzzing by me but they weren't too much of an issue. Although I discovered 4 bites on my shoulder when I got home. I even had my shoulders covered but they decided to snack through my shirt.

Wowsers! This hike certainly delivers. Flowers are on their way out, but some paintbrush and asters are still vibrant with color. Blueberries once you get above the switchbacks are in various stages of not-yet-ripe to very delicious.
No obstacles on the trail except a few downed trees, easy to cross. No snow on trail. Also, NO WATER on trail or near trail unless you go down to Hidden Lake.
The trail up to the lookout is tricky to find, but it's there and requires very little bouldering. Absolutely gorgeous trail and views. The lookout has some sleeping bags, games, and binoculars. (staying in the Lookout is 1st come).
No wildlife except a few pikas. Several places along the trail to set a tent. Most places were in use already as we descended between 2-4 pm today. we took our sweet time, taking way too many pictures, saying "oh my god!" and "holy __ __" so many times. We spent nearly 3 hours at the top. Definitely an easy hike to turn into a full day of gawking.

Let's talk road... yikers! I would say you want a min of 9inches clearance with the ability to turn traction control off. I have 9.3inches and did not bottom out, but I also navigate roads like this often (brushes shoulder off). I would have felt more confident with more clearance and 4 wheel drive vs all wheel. Potholes are deep and plentiful, some washboards, and the pullout are few and far between. I'll include a picture of the road, but the picture doesn't look as daunting as the road actually is.

I wanted to put down here that if you have a regular sedan car, don't attempt this road. I tried this morning and there is a rut about a half-mile up from the turnoff to the trail head. This rut cuts across the whole road. Unless you are prepared to bottom out/get stuck/ruin your car, don't try this road. Seriously, I tried 6 or 7 times and I could not pass it. This is a one-lane road, so I had to back down the road a hundred yards or so to find a place suitable to turn around. Fortunately, I was there early and no one was behind me. 

NOTICE: Lookout Maintenance occurring 8/14 through 8/18. Please plan accordingly and be prepared to share lookout.

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