The first part of the trail is steep. Felt like more of a scramble than the actual summit block! There is a beautiful little meadow you cross with a creek running through that helps break it up. Then you start going up again.

Its snow free until the scree slopes, and all the exposed parts of the scramble are dry. There are 2 lingering snowfields in the right place. It makes going up/down quite pleasant vs slogging through scree. I brought spikes but didn't use them. There are optional traverses on either side of the summit as well if you want to make it spicy.

Coming back down wasn't too difficult but it did require switching between poles and using my hands so I didn't leave my kneecaps behind. Having confidence in your footing will make the descent easier than it looks.

This is a good scramble for people who want to gain more experience with exposure. Bring your helmet, poles, and a sense of adventure. Absolutely beautiful views of the Olympic range. 

!!! Car Break-in !!! 19June2024

Intense scramble, but the views on a clear day are well worth the effort. Still some decent snow fields to cross. Unfortunately writing this review for another reason...

Left the trailhead at about 0930 and returned at 1530 to my truck window smashed in, door damaged, cab rummaged through, and truck bed cover tampered with. It appears they were spooked and ran off with only a backpack with clothes in it. Just a friendly reminder to not leave valuables in cars and stay safe out there!

Planning to hike early on Monday, June 10. Will bring micro spikes just in case. Anyone interested? mesamuelson1958@gmail.com

It was incredibly steep! Snow free for the first part then pretty heavy snow cover. Around 5000 feet, the snow pack became very thick with open, steep slopes. Had an ice axe and microspikes, but even these became useless at around 5800 feet. The slopes were near vertical and almost completely snow covered, making it impossible to go further. It was fun anyhow. Was so close to the summit, but will have to wait a few more weeks before it will be safe to attempt it again.

Got to the trailhead around 12:00. There were about 7 other cars at the trailhead. Got to the summit around 3:30. There were a lot of horseflies at the top so we didn’t stay long. It was a perfect day to summit, not too hot, and not cloudy. Good views of Rainier and Seattle. The way down was much harder than up. We slipped on scree and it was hard on the knees. Got back around 7:00. A butt-kicker of a hike, but totally worth it to beat the Ellinor crowds.