A beautiful trail to hike but the trail was full of ice. if you have crampons or Yaktrax you will be fine. Beware of unleashed dogs and their poop!

We couldn't have picked a better day to complete out last hike of 2015. The trail was covered in snow from the beginning all the way through. The snow is pretty well compacted and the trail is easy to follow if you aren't very familiar with it. My hiking partner and I did not have trekking poles or micro spikes or anything, just a good ol' pair of hiking boots. There were a few places in the shadows where trekking poles would have been nice, but by no means we're they necessary. Overall, a great quick and easy hike through a beautiful winter wonderland!

I parked in the main parking area and started up the steps of the Pine Ridge Trail. I took the trail going right at the picnic shelter. This trail meanders along the side of the hill past the campground trail and then heads up the butte. this route is used less frequently and in 4 trips to the top I've yet to see another hiker on this portion of the trail. The trail splits not far after the campground trail and I went left as I had my dog and dogs are not allowed on the section of trail that goes right. From this point its 1 mile to the" top" and the climb is steady and steep in places. Once you reach the "top" you can continue up a short steep trail to the highest point of the butte and will leave park property. I have done this trail in the past but today chose to go left along the crest of the butte before descending the Pine Ridge Trail back to the parking lot making my hike a loop. The park opens at 7AM. I got there just before 8 and there were already a half dozen cars in the lot. This trail can be very busy, especially on Cougar football weekends. Its a quick hike with beautiful views and a must-do if you are visiting the Palouse.

Trail was in great condition on this sunny day! While there were several parties of people enjoying the picnic area at the trailhead, we only passed two other parties on the Pine Ridge Trail. Views were amazing - we also saw chipmunks and many birds. Hike up was a steady incline, but not too difficult. We actually thought the hike down was a bit harder than the hike up - great hike to see the palouse!

Took a group of hikers to visit this special island in Palouse country. I think we were in between early and late flowers, not as many as I have seen there before. We hiked up from the day use area to the very top of the ridge and came back on a trail that goes below the campground (Sunset Trail) to add a little more mileage. Great views out in all directions.