Unfortunately this little trail took another big hit this last week. About .85 from trailhead there is a large landslide (and accompanying log jam). Trail till then is fine if not for the usual mud spots.

This has turned into a river themed route rather than Beaver Lake which is more of swamp-like and the bridge being broken and now barricaded. Last year you could walk on what was left of the structure to at least get a view of the lake. In this present political atmosphere a replacement is probably doomed.

The trail is in good condition overall. There a few downed trees that are easy to get over and under and there are lots of little streams flowing across the trail  but they can all be stepped over. The river is running high and you could hear it from the parking lot. One of the usual places along the trail where you can get down to a dry flat is now under water but the views from the trail are nice with a great view looking up Sauk with Mount Pugh in the background.

From the parking lot on this bright day the mountain to the north (White Chuck?) was brilliant.

The Mountain Loop Highway is clear. There is a very short  one-way section that is unmanned but it easy to see the opposite end to see if anyone is coming. The vault toilet is open and well stocked at the trailhead parking lot.

With the bridge out, there isn’t much of a destination but it is still a nice walk. We hit the trail just before 9AM and it was a lovely way to start the morning. A bit muddy in spots but overall not too bad.

This was a quick hike it took me an hour to do with stopping to check out the river at points! A nice quick jaunt in the woods!

Beaver lake bridge is still closed, and there is a particularly soggy part of the trail that is passable. It seems like it’s at high risk for washing out this coming season.

I saw lots of butterflies, little flowers at this time, and heard a couple eagles, saw lots of banana slugs!!

Overall, I’d give it a 2/5 without access to the lake views and few river views. Theres minimal interesting foliage, so the short distance is great.

There was a trail crew working on trimming the overgrowth and downed trees. The bridge at the lake is out and barricaded.

The trail features lots of interesting butterflies, plants and flowers.