Can't believe it's been 20 years since I've done this hike, This was one of my favorites until the fires. At the time they said it would take 80 years to return to its original state. After 20 years I think that timeline was correct.

The first mile was very muddy, but you could avoid the deepest mud by hugging the edges of the trail. After that you started hitting patches of ice that varied in length. I had brought my poles and had no issue with the ice but there were a few spots that I wouldn't have felt comfortable crossing without them.

The wind at the top was gusting and cold but that was only at the very peak by the towers.

Even with all the fire damage this is a beautiful hike.