Hiked lower 2.5 miles from trailhead to intersection with Trail 1538. The lower 1/2 mile had brush growing over trail, the upper half of the trail had approx. 50 downed trees across the trail, and there was one section with a rock slide so an unstable surface. 

Hiked Rock Creek trail 7 miles to the meadow. Road is suitable for all vehicles. Past reports about blowdowns aren’t lying, they are everywhere. Hundreds of them. Frankly, it was awful. Despite being careful, we came back with bloodied and bruised shins and thighs, even wearing pants. The payoff (meadow) at the end just wasn’t worth the effort. I’ve never met a hike I don’t like, but this one is a contender just due to the awful trail conditions. 
creeks flowing along first four miles of trail and some significant washouts about a mile and a half in. Careful foot placement is a must and yes, you have to straddle a fallen tree to get past one of them. 

After discovering that Chikamin Creek Rd had been closed July 6-16 for "bridge work", we continued on to the Rock Creek trailhead for plan B. Headed up Rock Creek, Rock Tie Trail, and set up camp at Basalt Pass (no views, but this was the only area along the route with established campsites). Headed up to Basalt Peak the next morning, before breaking camp and heading out the same way.

Access. The last 3-4 miles of the Chiwawa River Rd to the trailhead was unpaved, and in slightly worse condition compared to a year ago, but probably still fine for any vehicle in the current, dry conditions.

Conditions. Rock Creek Trail had 40+ blowdowns, and a short section where the trail was sloughing off above a steep drop-off. Fine on foot, for now, but probably impassible to stock. This was just before the section of trail that had a retaining wall built, and is also somewhat precarious. Rock Tie Trail was the highlight, with 100+ blowdowns, more than a few of which required a bit of climbing or crawling, and a few slightly overgrown sections. Basalt Ridge Trail only had a couple of blowdowns, but got a bit faint in the old burn area near the top. The small stream crossings along Rock Creek Trail had water, as did the small stream a short bit up the Rock Creek Tie Trail.

Flora & Fauna. One Grouse Hen with chick along Rock Creek Trail, one Deer along Rock Creek Tie Trail, and lots of bear scat along Basalt Ridge Trail. Lots of twinflowers and queen's cup in bloom, along with other wildflowers. Patches of (very unripe) thimbleberries and blueberries.

Crowds. Didn't see a single person.

Turned around after 4 miles due to swarm of hundreds of mosquitos. Unfazed by bug spray. 

Start of trail is overgrown but passable. Several blow downs throughout the first 4 miles of the trail

Made it up to the first crossing of Rock Creek before pitching the tent and cracking open my can of beer (funny how luke warm IPA always tastes great on the trail). For being "rarely used" the trail is in excellent shape. A bit of blowdown but nothing too difficult to get over/under/around, skeeters were a minor nuisance, and up until the eponymous creek was able to stay feet dry the whole way. Adding to ejain's 6/6/20 trip report, there is a slide area ~1.5 miles in that spells certain doom for this trail's usability when it finally decides to go (see pic), but for now it is holding strong. There is also a section of tread not far beyond that is starting to slough off into oblivion.