Ashland Lakes — Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021

Yes, the road has asteroid-crater sized potholes and a puddle I've now named Lake FS-4020, but it's easily navigable by most standard SUVs if you're slow and careful.  Once at the trailhead, do not go to the left down a wide logging road...I made this mistake and spent about 40 minutes extra trying to find my way.  Instead, refer to the photo below for the entry point of the trail.  An easy mistake to make, so avoid it by walking down the road away from the parking area, past the bathroom and you'll see the wooden trail post on the left.

After you cross the plank bridge (see photo), you will start ascending.  The trail is well managed but be careful of the slippery wooden steps and roots, especially on the last bit down to Lower Ashland Lake.  If you are pressed for time, I would skip the last lake just because it isn't extraordinary.  I would say this hike in general was not mind-blowing, but it was incredibly peaceful since I was the only hiker today and the lakes were so calm.  My guess is that everyone stayed out of the mountains today because of the downpours and flooding that have been happening, but this morning everything was overcast but there was no rain.  

There is a neat little wooden dock (see photo) towards the end of Upper Ashland Lake where I ate a little picnic lunch.  Most of the planks are fine, but I would suggest checking this one out soon because the wood may deteriorate in the near future and I'm unsure of when it will be maintained.