No snow at all unless you get above 6500 feet or so (near what looks like the end of established trail of the upper branch). We didn't go quite that high but could see that you'd have clear sailing until you were really on the body of Chowder Ridge proper. Trail is in great shape. Many people up here on a sort-of sunny weekend, the views were often clouded up but still had enough to see and do. Excellent flower meadows on the sections just before cresting the ridge at about 2 mi.

Saturday was a fabulous day for the trail. Visibility was very good though it was a bit hot. Bring lots of water because we only crossed one small creek along the way. If you are hiking with your dog, be sure to have plenty for them to drink too. My pup drank 1/2 a quart of water, licked every puddle we passed and took a nap on a patch of snow! (And he's a little guy-so that is nearly double what he would normally consume.) Bugs were definately an issue. Bring a lightweight long sleeve shirt, wear pants, and a hat. I found that a bandanna was handy too for waving the flying monsters away. Oh and watch out for a small bee's nest that is in the ground at the side of the trail. The nest is probably 3/4 of a mile past the only creek you will cross if you continue hiking the ridge toward Baker. The trail will start to get very brushy and the nest is in that area. Just watch your step. If you push on through, they don't seem to be too aggressive. They are small bees - not yellow jackets. However, my dog stopped walking right next to the nest and got a stinger in his snout. Other than bugs, the trail is incredible. The first mile or so is a bit steep, but it levels off once you reach the ridge. From there the views are superlative. Mt. Baker, Shuksan, Larabee and the Border peaks were all visible. There are still patches of snow in the area, but they are small and easily crossed. Wildflowers are in abundance. This trail definately is in my top 10!

Trail is in good shape, but a bit muddy in places. Just a few small snowpatches rapidly melting. Bugs did not seem to be a problem. Meadow flowers just beginning to bloom. Chowder Ridge over to Hadley Peak is almost entirely snowfree. Camped Wednesday night in cold, windy fog, but awoke to blue skies and fabulous views Thursday. Saw no one on our trek to Hadley and back to camp. About 15-20 cars (all day hikers) at trailhead on Wednesday at 2 p. m. Six cars on Thursday at 6 p. m.

Trail in pretty good condition, bit of mud, no snow to speak of until reaching the ridge at 5900 ft. 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 year olds were able to walk it comfortably, aided by steady supply of m&ms. Bugs were active but were kept at bay by deet. Beautiful flowers. Found nice snow-free site next to snowfield, spent the rest of sat waiting for the fog to lift, and were rewarded with beautiful sunset and to-die-for views of baker and shuksan. hiked out in drizzle the next morning.

Last week we tried skiing here, which was a bit silly, though we did get a few short runs in. Given the great weather we opted for a re-match, this time with hiking boots. There were a lot more cars this week, though it seems that nearly everyone stops at the first viewpoint, so the hike out the Divide was quite peaceful. The views get better and better along the ridge, and the trail's twists and turns serve up many great views during the hike. There is plenty of lingering snow, but we found that our ice axes just added a little unnecessary ""training weight"" as there were no exposed traverses or anything like that. The flies are busy enjoying the view along with the few hikers who wander out the ridge. There are glacier lillies everywhere, the heather is blooming, and the lupine is starting to come out. We followed the Divide to the southern high point, and then turned left for a short bit along the ridge that continues toward Baker. We found fields of red paintbrush where this ridge starts to drop down to an alpine meadow area just before Chowder Ridge. WOW!