This trail was a beauty and a personal challenge since I was expecting to do a nice walk of 9 miles and 1900 elevation gain and somehow ended up with 15 miles and 2400 gain:
Parked at the "Lost lake trail" parking lot and the hike immediately start with a hill up very easy path to walk. Very enjoyable but you have to watch out for cars and bikes. As a recommendation I would say bring a map and/or take a picture of the map in the parking lot since a** decided to mess with the rest of the maps in the trails.
After 2 miles the real adventure start. It was a very rainy Saturday so I took all my rain-hike gear. Even in a sunny day I would recommend using pants since some parts the weed are grown enough to be annoying.
My dog and me we got easily to Lost Lake and since we felt a little bit adventurous I decided to do "a fun loop" to go until Raptor's viewpoint. Not sure if it was the best choice but definitely don't regret it.
Parts of this hike made me feel very paranoid since I walked miles without seeing a soul (I think I saw less than 10 persons the whole hike).
Raptor's viewpoint was exactly what I thought it was going to be: an amazing view of the clouds (see picture) but good exercise.
I would recommend 100% the use of poles if you don't want to kiss the floor during the following trails paths: On the way back I didn't want to take the same path so I took the Huckleberry Trail which is not very kind with the knees but totally doable.
I had to take my time on point C since I was having a bad time finding Salal Trail. It wasn't hidden but with so many paths and already getting tired you don't want to walk more than you should.
In Salal you gain the elevation you lost in Huckleberry but it is not until I decided to go down taking "Lower Ridge Trail" when you gain the elevation in no time. The elevation was exhausting but the view compensated it (see picture).
All the lower ridge trail is way-up-way-down kind of hike. There were a couple of rocks and woods I had to jump or were actually quite non-kids friendly (ask my dog). At the Cyrus Gates Trailhead if you continue straight you'll merge with the bikers. Be aware of the signs to know which direction is for hikers and which is shared. Double black diamond was NOT GENTLE on my knees but I've seen worst.
Finally made it back and I'm craving to go again and discover new paths.
Comments