Our group was looking for a brief dayhike to stretch the legs. We encountered snow on the trail at 2.5 miles, but were turned around by swarming skeeters (non existent prior to the snow level). This was our first time on this trail, and look forward to a longer foray to the meadows for overnighting. There was no evidence of wheels (infernal combustion or pedal powered), but the snow level may have more to do with this than a lack of interest. We found some enormous and for this year, very rare morels, which made a marvelous omelet. We also scooted off the trail a very large buck dear, and encountered some coyote scat. Beautiful day!

Camped at the trailhead on friday night and headed up the trail early Saturday. While the official elevation gain is only about 2000' to the meadows there are many ups and downs. Overall the 7 miles to the valley is not difficult. Ran into about 2 dozen downed trees across the trail but we were able to crawl under or climb over. Several creek crossings along the trail but only needed to take off the boots to wade twice (wow-that run off is cold!). We stayed the night in the meadows with incredible views of the Entiat Mountains right out of the tent door. There are several camps after the second creek crossing however some are rather 'horsey' so watch where you drop your tent as the season continues. We saw one other car at the trailhead, but they must have headed to another trail as we had the trail and the meadows to ourselves for two full days. Who says you cant find solitude anymore!

Did this trail thinking maybe we might not get rained on. Saturday was awesome. We got drenched on Sunday! Anyway the trail itself is in good shape except for the many trees across the trail. Started seeing snowpatches around 3500 feet and then solid snow about 2 feet deep around 4000 feet just at the entrance to the wilderness. It looks like another solid month before the snow will completely melt away. We camped just before the first bridge crossing on a bare patch of ground we found under a large tree. There were two creeks that were difficult to get across on the trail at this time of the year due to the snowmelt.