I was glad to see the large tree that had blocked the road has been cleared, saving about 2 miles roundtrip of road walking.
The day started well below freezing and the previously damp areas of the trail were mini frost-heaves. As the day warmed into the 50's, these melted, but not wet enough to create mud holes. Overall, a pleasant sunny day for a hike.
It's too early for the flowers, but late enough for the snow to melt. There were 3 small patches of snow on the trail that were easy to walk by on the trail.
At about 2 miles, there are three boulders that have come off the ridge and stopped in the trail. The largest is about 2ft tall, 3 ft across, and 5 ft long. That would have been some sight and sound to have observed the rockfall. It is fairly easy to get around them.
The trail has not been brushed out for quite a few years. I was glad to be wearing long pants and long sleeves when pushing through the head high mature snowbrush. I kept wearing them for the return, even though the temps were in the mid 50's. That saved lots of scratches on arms and legs.
The lake is about 30% melted out and all the campsites along the lake are usable, except the one on the stream delta about mid-lake.
It was a wonderful hike, with the rushing sound of lake creek all the way to the lake.
Comments
Anna Roth on Black Lake
That first photo is so great, thank you so much for the report! Sounds like a nice (if brushy) hike.
Posted by:
Anna Roth on Apr 25, 2024 09:40 AM
Rolan on Black Lake
Thank you! After having to sit out most of the 2023 season, this was my second hike for the USFS this season. The first was Wolf Creek.
Posted by:
Rolan on Apr 25, 2024 12:32 PM
Christian Gustafson on Black Lake
Ira Spring suggested carrying simple garden pruners, could remove that pesky brush in 5 minutes.
Posted by:
Christian Gustafson on May 08, 2024 11:26 AM
Rolan on Black Lake
Well this trail has about a mile of this brush. So, 5 minutes to clear 10ft of brush! All my respects to Mr. Spring and many thanks to you for all your volunteer trail clearing. Back to the pruners, I'll remember them the next time I have an extra 40 hours on a dayhike to clear a mile of brush...
Posted by:
Rolan on May 08, 2024 02:14 PM
Christian Gustafson on Black Lake
Ira said if we could each just trim a little, that it would add up. Very satisfying, once you get a taste. And there are nuts with Silky saws who clear timber. #500 to #503 to #504 looks tasty.
Posted by:
Christian Gustafson on May 08, 2024 02:37 PM