I did a single night overnight at Vanson Lake, stopping at Vanson Peak on the way in and again on the way back out. I didn't do the loop over to Deadman's Lake or Tumwater Mountain, so I don't have any information on that section of the loop trial.
The trail was generally in great shape, thanks to a couple of friendly bikers who had logged the trail the day before and were working to brush it out. There was a section by Cathedral Falls that was a little sketchy - wet, slippery clay. Poles were useful.
There are also some steep drop offs. The trail was flat and sufficiently wide in these areas, but a trip or a startle reaction when encountering bikers could have consequences.
The river crossings I encountered on the way to Vanson were fine with poles.
The river crossing just after the junction heading over to Tumwater does indeed require a ford, but it wouldn't be bad. Maybe mid-calf?. We spent a bunch of time lounging and foot-soaking there on the way out. I neglected to complete the ford, which was a missed opportunity because I think there's a giant waterfall just around the corner from that crossing.
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