The road is doable for almost any car except for maybe the very end slope leading up to the main parking lot, we were totally fine in our Crosstrek. Most major potholes are avoidable if you're going slow and paying attention. We got to the trailhead around 8:30am, there were maybe 3 other cars in the lot. Saw two groups on our way up who had been camping down by the lake the night before, but didn't encounter anyone else during the ascent and had all viewpoints to ourselves. Would highly recommend getting here early on sunny days--if the sun hasn't risen much, the entire ascent is shaded by the mountain which makes the lack of tree cover a lot less noticeable.
A few wildflowers still hanging on, and lots of ripe thimbleberries but most are justtt out of reach for the average person :') This hike was suprisingly relaxed for the payoff! Or maybe I'm just finally in hiking shape again as the peak season winds down, but either way this has quickly shot to the top of my list--incredible views everywhere you look for the entire duration. We saw a very loud marmot near the summit, and tons of birds and butterflies all throughout; this would be a good one to bring binoculars. Gorgeous view of Baker at the top.
Lots of families and dogs rolling through by the time we were most of the way back down, around 10:30 or 11am. Parking lot was full by the time we left and there were a handful of cars parked along the road as well.
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