Great day to check the mail. I haven't been up there in over three years. I can faithfully report, it's just as steep as ever. About 5:40 RT, I measured 6.2 miles doing a variant of the old trail both ways. This also includes perhaps an extra 20 minutes at the bottom checking out the Grouse Ridge Loop (see below).
Lots of solo hikers today, I saw seven or eight of them plus only one group of two. Bathrooms open and stocked at the TH, and there are NO gate closing signs posted anymore.
Took the old trail up and down, snow starts about 1000' up. Too sticky for spikes for another 1000', but spikes and poles were very helpful in the top half. It never got more than about 3" deep, so the gaiters remained in my pack.
After reaching the bottom of the old trail, I took a left and checked out the Grouse Basin Loop, since I had never been over there. It's a very pleasant walk through the woods, with a couple nice bridges, running creeks, and through-the-trees glimpses of the surrounding peaks.
Of course, conditions will change rapidly with the oncoming blizzard weather. It's going to look very different this weekend. Watch the weather forecasts and stay safe out there.
Comments
It’s amusing how certain hikes (this one, Cable Line) degenerate into a d**k measuring contest… everyone has to mention their time, even if they then claim it’s slow… humble brag much?
Posted by:
grubinski on Mar 23, 2026 05:16 PM
I hadn't noticed whether people mention their time more for this hike than others, but you are probably right! Personally, I appreciate people posting their time and other stats in their trip reports, just as I find it useful when hiking guides give approximate time estimates for a particular trail.
Obviously, the time taken depends on conditions, one's fitness level, etc. However, once you read a good number of trip reports from someone, you get an idea of how their pace may compare to your own.
Sorry if it seemed like bragging - this was definitely not my intent! I will revise the text to be more matter-of-fact.
Posted by:
ALW Hiker on Mar 23, 2026 07:30 PM
Sorry I was a cranky old fart. Your pictures are very nice, it looked like a gorgeous day out.
Posted by:
grubinski on Mar 25, 2026 10:24 AM
No worries! You are clearly a keen observer of human behavior. :)
Posted by:
ALW Hiker on Mar 25, 2026 02:21 PM