Was planning on going to Ruby Mountain this weekend and knowing that walk-up permits wouldn't be too tough to come by, we took a lazy start out of Seattle. Waited about an hour at the Marblemount ranger station for our number to be called and right before we walked up they announced someone had failed to claim a reserved permit for Sahale -- knew we had to take it.
Road is in phenomenal shape, no problems for a Honda minivan. There was quite a parking jam on Saturday when we arrived around 1pm so plan accordingly. A few hairy reversals or tight passes and parking looped out of the parking lot for a ways.
Overall, the trail is in great shape. Please wear a mask when you're hiking, especially up to the arm. It's too narrow to socially distance. I'd say about 75% of folks were wearing one but those who weren't seemed to fall into one of two groups -- those who were inexperienced and didn't know better, and those who thought they were too tough/cool/experienced in the outdoors to need one. Please, for the sake of everyone else, mask up.
Running water available consistently including at the camps. Goats and marmots were out in full force but saw no bears/bear activity.
This place is simply stunning. If you've been, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, make time to go. It defies reality.
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