Hope and Mig Lakes — Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020

This trail- Yowza! I don't know why it's so under the radar, very few recent trip reports ( in fact I kept checking almost daily for a newer report as I was so unfamiliar with this area for hiking). Maybe it's because it's actually called Tunnel Creek(?) So confused, but there aren't any recent trip reports for TC either💁. Anyway, this trail has it all- beautiful views, lakes, a raging creek, forest, so so many small and larger waterfalls along the way, and the most stunning fall foliage- oohlala! I thought there might be a bit of blueberry bush color but noooo- yellows, crimsons turned the trail ablaze for a good portion of it- my eyes!  So so much water everywhere ( which I love)- parts of the trail became tiny stream fjording, at times intersecting with a rumbling descending trail falls. Caution needs to be taken regarding your footing- tons of slippery roots and rocks along narrow pathways and a very small patch of rocky scramble- I went slowly because I wanted to see all the beautyousness yet couldn't take my eyes off my feet for very long. All in all, a trail in good condition that you have to be very cautious on this time of year. Hope lake was pretty with a bit of fall color, a very peaceful lunch spot- Mig lake only about .8 miles further up along the PCT, easy hike to an open yet remote and extremely quiet spot- had a very surreal feel to it. What can I say? For me this trail was magical- bonus points for supreme tranquility as I saw only one other person for about five seconds. Yay! I probably should keep this one a secret but in the interest of trip reports...