I prefer ascending via the Starvation Ridge trail because it offers more views than the tree-shrouded Defiance trail.
There was some snow on the trail starting just before Warren Lake, but not much. The lake was frozen over, but the ice was only 1-2" thick.
The real snow cover started just above the lake. There were a few boot prints up to the lake but only one set after that. I followed those until they headed off in the wrong direction and then followed the 417 trail toward its junction with the 413. The 417 could be followed as a shallow depression in the snow and was only vague in 1-2 spots. When I arrived at the 413, I was surprised to see a veritable trench of boot steps - looks like it was a busy weekend on Defiance and nearly everyone came up via the Defiance trail. I just followed the tracks to the summit.
It was sunny and calm on top - this is definitely a weird December (can't help but think we're going to pay for all this niceness with a wet, wet Spring). Hood was visible (of course), but I was intrigued by this view of Table Mtn (T), Greenleaf Pk (G), and Silver Star (S).
I returned via the Defiance trail (just to make a loop) and got back to the car before a headlamp would have been needed.
Classic Gorge hike on an amazing weather day. 11.5 mi RT, EG 5000'.