There was lots of storm damage along the road out through Macola, and several lineman crews out setting and wiring new poles, but the roads were clear and the recreation area is open. I set out from the Shelter #2 parking lot in light rain and pretty much followed the route in the Field Guide. The first bit by the river is the nicest, at least if you like green and lush. The only real large trees down are in the creek itself; the trail has no more than what I'd consider a normal amount of winter blowdowns, nothing even a foot in diameter.
Overall, it was an OK hike, but nothing to tempt me to come back again. There were a few other people out hiking or running the trail, and a lot of range gunfire from somewhere close by. I prefer a bit more solitude. If I want a five-mile loop with people and shooting noise, I can go down the street to Wild Iris Ridge and save the drive.