This was a 3 day / 2 night trip to hidden lakes. I started at the billy goat trailhead; at the time I did this there was a down tree across the road and I had to park about a mile from the trailhead. However as I was leaving I encountered a forest service team clearing the road and planning on some trail maintenance, so the road is clear to the trailhead and hopefully some the blowdowns have been cleared.
Day 1: Made it to the lakes, about 17 miles. The trail crosses two passes, so even though the net gain is around zero its still about 3000 feet of total gain. The trail is in pretty good condition unit after lucky pass, at which point there are lots of blowdowns. Nothing terribly difficult to traverse, just a lot of them. Lots of water available this time of year due to snow melt, but pretty soon it will be dry. The trail is completely snow free. After dropping down to the lost river valley, the trail if very brushy, and I found a handful of ticks on my clothes, so treating with permethrin would be recommended. There is one significant stream crossing with the bridge out; it burned in the fire that took out most of the forest. It was still possible to cross using the old frame; later in the season it may be possible to ford the stream once the water level is down a bit. Good campsites are available between first and middle lakes.
Day 2: Took the Tatoosh Buttes trail up to the Buttes; its pretty amazing with 360 degree views. There was quite a bit of snow covering the trail on the final slopes to the top, but soft and not difficult to traverse. The ridges were snow free. I took a route over to Tamarack Ridge, which topped out about 7500 feet with panoramic views dominated by ptarmigan peak.
Day 3: The long slog out, just the reverse of day one. At the trailhead I encountered a forest service work party who had already cleared the road, and were planning on some trail maintenance.
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