08/26/2020 sih, cvg Good hike, once you crawl over the logs on Newton Creek (water higher in afternoon). Except for steep climb up after crossing creek, easy walk. Elk Meadows beautiful even with most flowers over the hill in late August. Huge number of bear grass (now in seed mode) at beginning. Perfect lunch stop at old shelter at the top of the meadow loop (couple of women and kids camping there). Flock of gray jays eager to take peanuts. Although parking at trailhead nearly full, seems most people were going to Umbrella Falls, as only a modest number of hikers on the Meadows trail.
