I was delighted to read reports here that Glacier Creek Road has recently reopened. With that news and a sunny late October Sunday, I saw one last opportunity to visit Heliotrope.
As others have mentioned, the road is in relatively good shape. The first 5.5 miles was clear and potholes were no issue for the Forester. From 5.5 miles up, the snow progressed from isolated on the bridges to patchy, then consistent compact snow at the trailhead.
The trailhead was very wintery with trees small and large holding sizeable snowfall. The trail was almost entirely snow-covered however, it was well-packed and wasn't hard to navigate. Poles and microspikes will definitely help.
The cool weather has changed the risks faced when crossing streams. The flow wasn't an issue at all today. However, you will need to be prepared and confident in navigating the icepack that now surrounds and covers the major crossings. If you're visiting in the coming days, bring poles and spikes!
Fall colors are now reserved for deep in the valley are not evident at all on the trail. Instead, there are now early winter conditions with the rich greens below the treeline abruptly contrasting with the first snowfall. The snowfall and clear skies also made for striking views across to the Skyline Divide in the top half of the hike.
In line with the hike up, the glacier overlook was so still and clear. Not a cloud and everything so quiet and serene. Every other time that I've been here, there's been the sounds of marmots, ravens, the calving glacier, and the rushing creek. Today it was just still. Such a wonderful experience.
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