Staircase Rapids to North Fork Skok to Flapjack Lakes + Gladys Divide.
Staircase Rapids trail magnificent as usual. Many old firs and cedars to marvel at. North Fork Skok trail on old road bed all the way to Flapjack turnoff. Trail slumping somewhat on route to Madeleine creek where the bridge is tiled a few degrees making it more fun. Other than the ravine Madeleine falls through this slope is dry and somewhat exposed to the sun. Also very steep slopes. Don't step off the trail. Somewhat rougher and more miserable just before B+W junction. Trail to Flapjacks barely passes NPS standards in terms of grade, width, etc. Merciless.
Flapjack Lakes beautiful with Sawtooth Ridge right there. Plenty of camping. As usual, dogs are not allowed on the national park trails or in the back country. Despite that, you will probably see them here anyway. The owners do not care.
Trail to Gladys is not marked but it's east of the main junction and curves away from the lakes, heading north then east. Extra campsites are up this way. As of 6/22 the snow begins around 4500 feet and is constant beginning at 4600. The way is perfectly navigable, but snow bridges will be melting over the next week or so.
Comments