We got to the trailhead around 10AM on a Thursday. No other cars in the lot.
The end of the road was snowy/icy but we made it OK in our Rav4. There are many large potholes on the road to the trailhead that would be hard to navigate in a low vehicle.
The toilet at the trailhead is closed.
The trail was mostly snow free, but had occasional snow coverage that was quite deep. Some of the trail was slippery and my hiking buddy and I both slipped and fell a few times. Poles might have been useful.
Beaver Plant Lake was easily accessible and beautiful in the snow.
At Upper Ashland Lake, the wooden walkway was flooded in several places and many of the planks were broken/bobbing in the water. We made it to campground before we called it quits and turned back with soaked feet.
Overall it was a gorgeous day. Look forward to trying this hike again when the trail conditions are better.
Comments
Thanks for the report. Has the road been repaired at all yet? Last time I tried to go up there in my Subie Crosstrek the potholes were deep enough to drown a horse if full, and I decided the stress of the drive wasn't worth the hike.
Posted by:
Forestdancr on Apr 12, 2024 09:44 AM
Can't believe I forgot to mention the potholes! There are many large potholes to navigate.
Posted by:
Caitew on Apr 12, 2024 11:50 AM
Thanks!
Posted by:
Forestdancr on Apr 12, 2024 12:05 PM
I drove up the road today to check it out...only went a little way after the right turn towards Ashland/Pinnacle, where the road did get rough. Just to inform others--the main road before the turn is in GREAT shape!
Posted by:
Forestdancr on Apr 13, 2024 04:12 PM