Hiked the Snow Creek trail up to Mt. Zion today. The road in had several large, wet potholes along the way but it should be passable for most vehicles (I have an Outback but a regular sedan could make it - just go slowly).

The trail was completely free of snow/ice (albeit a little muddy in a couple of snow runoff spots); however, it is indeed steep - in some areas more than others - so take care, especially on the way back down. Sturdy, supportive hiking boots are a must for this trail. There are some exposed root systems which are slippery; coming down, I did slip once and landed on my fanny (no harm done). I'm an experienced hiker and I do not use trekking poles as they tend to throw me off a bit; however, I actually found myself thinking they might be useful on this hike, especially on the descent.

Both the hike up and the summit of Mt. Zion were peaceful (save the sound of distant gun shots echoing through the valley). At the summit, the surrounding peaks were socked in but at least it wasn't raining, and there were some nice views of the valley below. And when it quieted down, the voices of frogs could be heard rising up from the valley. I only saw two other people at the summit and passed by one small group on their way up as I descended.

The only real challenge I encountered was on my way back after crossing the foot bridge over the creek. The step down off the bridge was a rather large one down onto a wet surface and I was concerned I might slip again, so I took off my pack and tossed it a few feet ahead of me on the trail. Without my pack on, I was able to stick the landing. All in all a good hike - and definitely good exercise. :)

A very steep, but peaceful hike. Right now, much of the trail is snowy and icy. The summit was lovely, though the vista was blocked by fog. We didn't see a soul the whole day.

We missed the trailhead once, going another quarter mile or so before turning around and trying again. The trail is marked by neon strips hanging from a branch, and the actual trail sign is nestled a few feet into the forest. Keep an eye on the right side of the road after taking the final left turn.

The first part of the hike was steep. We needed to take a couple of stops, which were pleasant. The rainforest, at least while we were in it, was very quiet. Just drops of water falling from the trees, from the fog condensing. Stopping on the trail is very relaxing, so much so that we were reluctant to keep moving. I love the old man's beard lichen littering the trail.

I think snow and ice began obstructing the trail about two-thirds of the way up. At first, it was fairly easy to walk along one side of the trail; after some more distance, it couldn't be avoided. This may have been against our better judgement, but we decided to keep moving and power through in our boots. There was a lot of slipping--we didn't have proper gear to navigate ice. At times, we stepped off the trail because it was easier walking in the snow alongside the trail rather than on icy trail.

We did make it up to the top, after nearly giving up twice. We were very glad we persevered. There was too much mist for a proper "view," but it was still stunning and peaceful.

The way down was not as difficult as the way up, but probably more dangerous. There was more slipping. We are young and vigorous, but I can't in good conscience recommend anybody to do what we did (unless you have the proper gear). I hope this trip report was helpful! It was my first ever.

Arrived at 1:30 for an after holiday stroll. Patches of snow off trail about 2 miles in. Did not make it to the top due to late start. We huffed and puffed our way up to the turn off for Mt. Zion. Saw no other hikers. 

One walkway over a small creek is missing a support but felt sturdy and can be bypassed. I recomend poles for the way back down as it is slick when wet and fairly steep. 

The drive up was easy in an explorer with one deep water filled pothole that a moderately sized sedan should be able to navigate. Some of the forestry along the road on the drive back allows for a beautiful view of Rainier on the way out.

On the Snow Creek road, County Rd 3529, just after crossing the National Forest Boundary, we surprised two mountain lions, probably a female and her juvenile along the road- they both took off fast.

Arriving at the trailhead, tucked up along side the road in the trees, we found a wide spot to park and set up the slightly snow dusted trail. As we turned up to Mt. Zion, "Switchbacks? We don't need no stinkin' switchbacks! Just go straight up!" repeated through my thoughts- this was definitely a lung and calf burner.

I wore micro spikes- I would not have made it up or down with out them and poles, but my husband did fine with good hiking boots and poles. He is comfortable with sliding, I am not. Going up the trail to Zion, the snow on the path was heavy and sticky, but beaten down by hikers before us.

The weather was glorious, and we were thrilled to look over at Mount Townsend, which we had summited the day before.

Arrived around 10:30am on Saturday after Thanksgiving and were the only car at the trailhead. We came from Port Angeles and were able to take a more direct route via Woods Rd south from Blyn but we took the advertised route back out since we were headed to Kingston. All in all it was passable in a low clearance honda fit so just about any car should be able to handle it. Just keep an eye out for pot holes.

Trail is steep but doesn't get silly anywhere (ie don't need handholds). I was worried it would be treacherous going down since it was raining and the trail was often covered with wet rhododendron leaves but as long as you keep an eye out for roots it's really not bad at all.

There were no views at the top as it was raining or snowing the whole time and visibility was limited. There was a bit of snow at the top but we didn't need spikes. The 0.5 mile extension trail from the peak looks promising if it were clear.

Only saw 2 other people on the Snow Creek trail but once we made it up to the top there were lots of people around so I'm guessing the other routes up are more popular.