Pretty standard up, up, up, down, up, up, down, down, up, up, UP hike.
Lots of people out today, forgot it’s a holiday. Park doesn’t open til 8am, but by 745 the lots were pretty full.  Lots of people up on the trails too. The first 4 miles are in pretty good condition.  A little mud here and there, but nothing too bad.  The last two miles, much muddier and since it’s now a more narrow and in spots very steep trail, you need to be more careful. You don’t have to use poles, most people I saw weren’t using them, but I also saw lots of spots where people slipped, so it’s up to you.  That stretch will only get worse with each storm that hits, so keep that in mind while planning your hike