Arrived at TH around 7:30 and ample parking available.  There were maybe half a dozen people when we got to the first ledge.   From there, we went to Middle Ledge, East Peak then stopped at Upper Ledge on the way back.  We had the trail to ourselves from the first ledge to the East Peak.  Not much of a view at the East Peak but we wanted the mileage for Hike-A-Thon.  A lot of hikers between First ledge and the TH 

This is a good hike (between first ledge and East Peak) if you want to find solitude in the woods.   Also its where we spotted a lot of ghost (indian) pipes.

https://give.wta.org/fundraiser/6443090

First day of Hikeathon!! This was our chosen hike since last year all we got was the no view viewpoints and it was raining. This was a new hike for me and I know it is very popular, but at least I did it once. Go to the 2nd and 3rd ledges, we saw no one there. There is some Indian Pipe between the first and 2nd ledges and some just after the 3rd ledge on the way up to East Peak. East Peak was a bit of a let down, chugged up that wooded trail in granny gear only to be rewarded by...a radio tower and a tiny view. At least we had a nice bench to sit on for lunch. The trail is in great shape tho and we had it almost to ourselves once we passed the first ledge. Unless you want to hike just to hike, I recommend stopping at the 3rd ledge. The worst part was coming down from the first ledge on the hard stony trail that was crowded. Considering how close this is to major metropolitan areas, of course it was going to be crowded. It was fun, but I wouldn't do it again. You can help raise money for WTA by donating to my (or Diana's) hikeathon. give.wta.org/muledeer2025 or if that doesn't work, give.wta.org/6438240   Thanks !  

It’s a tough one for this big mama. But I handled it. Took me 90 mins to get to the top

Moderate elevation gain over a 2 mile stretch. The views are beautiful. Trail is in good shape.

Great summer day for a classic greater Seattle area hike! Got started around 10:30am and overall my adventure on this trail wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be on such a gorgeous summer day. The blackberries are starting to come in. The chipmunks scurried about and darted across the trail at the lower elevations (round-trip I had four chipmunk crossings right in front of my feet.) About halfway up the trail I did encounter a small snake that slithered across the trail and went on its merry way. Once I arrived at the ledge there were approximately 20 people sitting up there and enjoying the view while I did as well before heading on my descent. 

With this trail (and the subsequent trip reports) there are usually many mentions of fellow trail users not abiding by the unwritten rules of hiking. Honestly everyone that I encountered today was respectful, friendly, and just seemed to be happy to enjoying the trail, getting outside, and soaking up some sunshine.