This was my first hike on this trail; a day hike with my 2 year old labrador retriever, opting for the upper loop i.e. bypass trail 97 to PCT, on up to the top junction, back to snowgrass flat, and out. This extends the hike over 10 miles and the elevation at the top/junction with PCT is closer to 6400', but the best views of Mt Adams and best wildflowers are in this area.
Parking was available at the trailhead, and I only met about a dozen other hikers/campers on this beautiful Saturday despite the comment this is a busy trail. The hike description is pretty accurate; I clocked 13.2 miles from Hwy12 to the turnoff, and FR21 was in decent shape for this time of year i.e. some washboard and potholes but drivable in most any vehicle. All the snow had melted and the trail was in good shape other than several fallen logs that required some agility to go over or around. The sturdy bridge and cairns were as advertised. Water sources for dogs are often enough you don't need to bring water for them, at least at this time, and multiple campsites were available just off the main trail.
Main attraction- gorgeous views of Mt. Adams, almost exclusively from PCT or the very top of the Snowgrass trail. And the wildflowers were putting on a show. Mosquitoes not bad if you kept moving. I'll plan on doing this again late Summer or early Fall to compare.
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