Lovely and very well-maintained trail with interesting history.  More natural interest than I expected and the history was more grasping than I anticipated too.  The main lower trail to the left as you approach is very well kept and fine for kids or anyone wanting a flat hike.  The upper trail was very overgrown at times but I was still able to find where I was supposed to be walking. There were plenty of people on the lower trail too in spite of drizzly weather, so I'd say this is probably a fairly safe hike for less experienced/out of practice solo travelers (that's why I had picked it that day).

I started at the Iron Goat trailhead, so it ended up being over 8 miles. There is a parking area a short distance from the old snow shed, if that is what you prefer.

Fall colors are at or past peak, so you don’t have much time to see that.

Toilets are closed at Iron Goat and Wellington, so be prepared for that.

If you go the short route, it would be good for a rainy day.  

Our original plan was to start at the Wellington (eastern) end of the Iron Goat, but we decided to park at the middle trailhead (Scenic/Caboose) and hike up the switchbacks to Windy Point and then around to the Wellington site and back. WTA for some reason lists the hike from Wellington as just 2 miles--I guess as a one-mile-out-and-back just to take you through the snow sheds, but it was nice to get the additional distance.

It was 3 (basically flat) miles between Windy Point and Wellington; about a mile or so from the caboose to Windy Point (600 ft elevation change for this section). Our total distance was just over 8 miles because we parked at the middle trailhead and went up from there. (You can also extend to the western end for more distance or an alternate destination). Trail between Windy Point and Wellington was easy to follow but definitely overgrown in some areas. Fun shower from a waterfall spilling over a concrete wall too, good on an 80 degree day. Not crowded, we saw just a few other groups.  We enjoyed walking through the snow sheds and seeing the markers of the Wellington disaster. (Highly recommend the book "Hiking Washington's History" for a good overview of the event and "The White Cascade" for the whole story.) The trail featured some nice views of the surrounding peaks, a few wildflowers, and an interesting reflection on our local history. Sadly saw no pikas although I think we did hear a couple. Look for the joke "toilet" sign. 

This post is mostly for clarification of directions coming east on highway two--the turn off for Old Cascade Highway is just before the crest to Stevens Pass ski area--easily missed even after spying milepost 64.  It is not well marked until you turn left seeing the tiny "Wellington" sign.

The turn off to the trailhead is extremely hard to find as one might be looking for a "Wellington" sign or FS road sign.  The best marker is the road sign showing 15 MPH turn in the road.  Look for a stop sign to the right just a bit past that.  We passed it twice looking at 3.5 miles in as the direction state (It is more like 2.5 miles in so wonder if that is a typo).

So worth the time to find the location though as this is such a fun kid experience.  Do your homework before you go so you can tell kids a bit more about the avalanche and the history around the site.  Also, be sure then to stop at the Iron Goat Interpretive center (we actually hiked up to WIndy Ridge Viewpoint then a bit farther to discover that the big wall is not a snow shed but a tunnel)!  Despite the rain, and difficulty finding where to go, a good time was had by all.

Hiked Wellington today and a couple of days ago. Trail was empty during the week. Once you go past the snow shed, the trail becomes narrow and long pants are highly recommended. Hiking in the snow shed is also a bit cooler so a hoody and warm clothes are a good idea, you are at 3k ft elevation. This is a nice hike, great for the family and a very easy drive.