A fantastic hike; challenging, especially when carrying a heavy pack for conditioning. Tried this hike a week prior and had to turn around at 6000', 1/4 mile from the summit; white-out conditions and deep snow. Tremendous views of the Cascades from the summit. Trailhead easy to find but the last 2 miles or so were fairly rough and required reduced speed and attention to rocks and potholes. OK for most any vehicle except RV or the like.

Long, not uncrowded. Fair views. The crater is cool!

My dog and I did this hike and had a blast. I can't say much that hasn't been said in the other reviews except: START EARLY!!! We stayed the night before at the Devil's Lake C.G., which is right at the trailhead, and got a 5 a.m. start. I brought an axe and crampons, which proved useful in the firm morning snow/ice (It softens quickly after the sun sneaks around). Not only does an early start provide solitude, it also spares you the hot, direct rays of the sun, as the entire route is up the South face. On my way down, I passed so many climbers on the way up, hating the heat. Again, START EARLY!!!!!!! - You'll have a much better time!!!!

This trail is absolutely beautiful! The views are amazing. The trail is obviously steep but not to bad until you get to about 8850 feet. After that it's crazy. You have to scramble up a cinder rock path with rocks anywhere from gravel to 5-6 inches in diameter. At some points my daughter ( It was her eighteenth birthday - what a birthday present huh!?) had to practically claw her way up and would slide back 5 feet at times. If you are afraid of heights the trail at this point narrows and climbs along a ridge so it can be pretty freaky for about .7miles. Also there were quite a few people that we ran into who were affected by the altitude after this point. If you can only make it to here though, it is well worth the hike. You can see to the edge of the world (it seems like) to the south. If you make it to the top you can see the same to the north, including middle and north sister close enough to almost touch them. Be prepared for all weather and plan on climbing up in some snow. The trail disappears in spots under the snow so you have to continually watch for it. It is also marked with posts though so you won't wander too far off. Hiking poles or an ice axe are a must (we didn't have them - never again!) and gaitors would be a plus also. On the way down though, you'll be happy about the snow - you can slide down about 500-1000 feet depending on the size of the snowfields and save your knees a bit!! All in all it was a very difficult climb at the end, but you cannot get a view like this one from anywhere else.

Although I and my family had a blast on this trail, I definitely wouldn't suggest it if you're out of shape or not into a challenge. Even if you're forced to take it pretty slow, the view of Broken Top, Middle & North Sisters, Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood are totally worth it. Gear we didn't have that we wish we did: treking poles and gaiters for descending the steep shale.