A large leap and a melting snow bridge allowed us to keep our feet dry for the two stream crossings after the TH. The route was totally dry on the south facing aspects, but still held a decent amount of snow on the north side of each of the basins you traverse around before finally gaining the summit ridge. Any snow on the ridge is 100% avoidable. We started at 4:15a and the snow was firm, but by 9, it was starting to deteriorate so we were glad to have snowshoes for the return. The trail disappears under snow as you get onto the CDT/CT and hike along and through the trees and willows. The bushwacking was minor and usually you could see where you needed to go. Really great scenery and a good route right now, saw two adult moose near the TH.
 
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