From the parking lot the trail zig zags steadily up though nice old second growth forest. After about a mile there is a junction--take the right fork. The trail leaves the trees at about the same time as it enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and the last 2/3 of the hike is mostly in the open, with constantly improving views. Late in the summer you will not find any water on the latter part of the hike, but will find ample blueberries. Early in the summer there are many streams, and plenty of flowers including beargrass. The last mile of the trail crosses a ridge, into a north side bowl which may be filled with snow into early summer. It may be possible to avoid the snow by hopping up talus along the ridge to the summit lookout. Views of Rainier, Glacier Peak, and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness are magnificent.
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