Rock Mountain Trail approach

Anyone been on the trail from the TH on Hwy 2?  I am wondering if one could hike bare trail through the steep rocky portion at this point.  Anyone look up at least from the Hwy to give a generalized snow level on south exposures?

A friend of mine said they had walked more than half way up on the summer tail about two weeks ago. I think you'd have to hike up to almost to the lake by now. I've thinking you may be able to drive most of the way to the north side TH from Smith Brook Rd. Anybody has info on that?