This review is for the access road, not the trail. We drive an Outback with decent clearance and AWD. We are avid hikers in our 50s and we've driven on many, many forest service roads, plus Jeep trails in Utah and Arizona. So that's the context: This is the first road where my husband said, "Nope." We thought the reviews about the bad road fit the initial potholes, but then half a mile in, we came to the ditch (mentioned in previous review, posted after our attempt). The car ahead of us went through, but we backed down 1/8 mile to a turnout. We drove 35 minutes to the Cascade Pass trailhead instead. Sorry I forgot to take a picture of the trench.

Large ditch/rut in road prevented reaching the trailhead about 1/2 mi in from rt 15

People usually post that the road to the trailhead is bad, and it’s usually not too bad. People are right with this one, the road is pretty bad and narrow the whole way. Passing cars on the way down was tricky.

There’s not too many parking spots, maybe enough space for 20 cars. Got to the trailhead at 7:00am and there was only one or two spots left. Cars were parked on the narrow road on our way back down.

There’s quite a few minor water crossings that posed no issue.

There are still two snowfields to cross, but they aren’t too bad and we didn’t need to put on micro spikes but they would help if you’re feeling uneasy about it.

Trail is absolutely gorgeous the entire way. 10/10 views and would highly recommend.

Road in rough shape and narrow. Strongly advise high-clearance vehicle. Arrived at the parking lot about a quarter to ten in the morning. A few spaces remaining. When I left around 3:30 PM the lot was almost full with just one or two places to squeeze in. I was puzzled by a blank white note left on my windshield until I discovered a scuff mark on my truck later the next morning. Seems someone wanted to appear to be responsible writing a note, but did not. Accidents happen, but be accountable. 

Anyways, this one of the most beautiful hikes in the area as the crowd of people on the trail attested to. Water sources currently abundant almost all the way to the saddle. One large snow patch left right before the saddle/NP boundary. I had no problems with light hiking shoes and one hiking pole. But I do recommend two poles to make it even more easy.   

Wildflowers still putting on a show. I did not go all the way to the lookout because of my vertigo on the steep and narrow path that leads there. But had a nice view of Hidden Lake just to the left of the saddle where I rested.

This is a popular trail for a reason. The views are outstanding, and I love walking among the blooming heather and grey granite rocks along the ridge. But I am always puzzled by the number of folks who backpack this shorter but steep trail with their heavy packs, assuming they are all camping around the lake. But I am glad people are getting out to enjoy our natural world!

This is a gem of a trail and once you have negotiated the bumpy and potholes filled forest road to trailhead you are in for a treat. As my friend Randy who planned the hike said it is one of the best ROI (return on investment) hike in PNW in terms of great views for not too difficult effort or distance. A high clearance vehicle is highly recommended though I did see a Subaru sedan there.

We got there just before 10am thanks to a longish coffee break in Darrington, and the “parking lot” was full, but we were able to squeeze our truck into a tight spot. It would be very helpful if people parked their vehicle closer together and that would make room for 3-4 more cars. The weather was near perfect for hiking, temps in high 60’s at the start and low seventies on the way back and plenty of sunshine and also cool breeze as we ascended. 

The trail was in great condition for most part, but it crosses several streams and some sections of the trail has mud and water so tread carefully. There are also plenty of rocks and roots, so a sturdy shoe is a good idea and also poles if you use them. The trail starts out as a wide path narrowing quickly and entering roughly a mile long section with overgrown vegetation requiring often for you to push them aside as you walk and they constantly rub against you. For that reason, long pants and full sleeve shirt might be more comfortable though I had neither, but it was manageable. Once past this section you enter what I think was the best part of the trail, stable and a bit wider and full of flowers on both sides. It reminded me of Cascade Pass / Sahalee Arm.  Trail climbs slowly but steadily reaching a section with rocks and boulders and open vistas with lots of mountains all around, a truly majestic site. And it gets better as you go. Soon you can spot the lookout perched atop a tall conic cliff and you wonder whether you want o boulder hop up to it. Very reminiscent of Granite Mountain lookout. The climb from here looks daunting and you got to carefully spot the section of trail to make your way up to cabin. But before that you see a marker that points to end of the NPS boundary and of course you can see the Hidden Lake below. The clouds obscured some of the surrounding mountains, but it is a glorious alpine lake.

The 360-degree view from the top is magnificent. We were able to spot Glacier Peak and parts of Mt Baker and several other peaks and glaciers in the distance. The cabin itself is remarkable. There were at least 4 people using it as overnight shelter since their backpacks, sleeping bags and other camping supplies were strewn around and so were the notes and instructions. We sat outside on the boulders in gentle sunshine to enjoy our lunch with some of the best views to be had. It took us about 3 hrs to make it to the top with 2 or 3 stops along the way. Going down was uneventful though fatigue begins to set in once you enter the overgrown section of the trail and the afternoon sun. The highlight was that we spotted a black bear grazing around in a meadow high up. It was great to see it through binoculars.

 Notes:

1. No privy at trailhead but there is a privy 150’ below the lookout cabin! (I didn’t use it but it was posted inside the cabin).
2. Parking is limited to 20 or so cars
3. Dirt road leading to TH is bumpy, high clearance vehicle recommended
4. I ran through my 2L of bottle and could have used more. There are plenty of water along the trail that you can use if you have a filter or other purification tool like SteriPen.
5. Dogs are allowed on leash, we saw just 2 though.