The trail was in good condition, with just one downed tree that had fallen over a switchback, so it was over the trail twice. It was high enough to go under easily, or you could go where hikers had climbed around it. There is one fairly short sketchy, narrow and partially eroding section of trail over a steep slope. There was a small, clear stream by the trail about 2/3 of the way up that would be good for filtering water.
We hiked up in fog/low cloud, hoping and praying we'd see St. Helens. And we did. Seeing the big trees through fog was cool, though. We weren't able to see Mt. Hood because of clouds to the south. We found some good rocks to sit on for an early lunch break. I saw three mountain goats in the distance, and there was what we assumed was steam rising above the top of the mountain from the dome. There were a few wildflowers, very few huckleberries, and some fall color in a few places. We enjoyed the hike, and would like to do it earlier in the summer, when the bear grass and heather are blooming. Oh, no bugs, except for a few ants when we were having lunch.
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