I know this trail is currently closed. We checked with USFS prior to starting and they said we were good to go since the fire was south of our itinerary at that time.Just to add to previous report. Water is available at 2nd pond along with an excellent camp. It is not "pond" like water as I have stayed here several times and had excellent results. Maybe it is spring fed as there are several natural springs in this region. Also bugs were not an issue -frogs, dragonflies and birds seem to be doing a good job and there is usually a breeze on the ridge. Water at 1st pond is low and much poorer water quality.
Cougar lakes has multiple campsites but the spit is closed to camping for reforestation. Please respect this. Trail to upper meadows is very brushy and rough at times but well worth the climb.
Only saw people during our hike from American Lake to Dewey Lake so 5 days of solitude. Nice camp 1/4 ml past upper American River ford. As stated lots of blowdowns from dewey to mesatchee. Just as you start down the final set of switch backs past the 2nd waterfall One giant that looks like you need to belly crawl under and has another smaller tree headed downhill next to it - best to head down off trail and you will pick up the trail.
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