Rain prediction percentage was high earlier in the week but slowly decreased as we got to the weekend. It was coming down steadily when we arrived at the trailhead at 9:20 and we got pretty soaked on our initial climb. However, it moved to a drizzle at three o'clock rock, stopped as we arrived at the pass, and for a brief fifteen or twenty minutes the clouds retreated enough to reveal Three Fingers and other nearby peaks. Then the fog rolled in and stayed for the remainder of the hike out.
The trail is as advertised. The lower part is mild switchbacks with a fair amount of cribbing and other work (thanks trail crews!) then turns a little rootier and rocky up to the climbing area. After that the trail becomes steeper and more rugged with lots of roots and rock step ups. A fair amount of mud was encountered, and I did land on my butt once (on the way down). The last part of the trail gets mellower as it traverses meadow and slabby waterfalls as it makes its final climb to the pass. Blueberries were long gone and fall colors are starting to come in.
Just a couple step over trees and duck under trees. Your boots will get wet as you cross the many small creeks. We only passed two hikers just arriving at the pass as we started down. A great hike!
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