Ashland Lakes — Thursday, Jul. 1, 2021

Similar to previous trail reports, the main issue for this trailhead is the approach via the forest roads.  It is nominally 5 miles from the mountain loop highway to the trailhead.   The road has Many, many large potholes, washouts, and overall cruddy access road.   Recommended for high clearance vehicles only.   Write your Congress representative about more money for basic maintenance for the Forest Service.  

The trail is in very good condition.   All down trees have been removed.   This is a hike along a very lush area of the western slopes.   There are hundreds of feet of raised walkways to keep you out of the soggy ground and muddy water seeps.   Most of the decking boards have been recently replaced.   Be careful, however, as a couple are broken and require you to walk along a single 2x12 plank.   A couple of the supports are not stable and the boards may shift a couple inches.   

Only three tents at Upper Ashland lakes for a WTA trail crew.   No one else was hiking on Thursday.   The first two lakes have port a potties in place for campers.