Hiked in via Bumping Lake Trail to avoid the terrible road into the Swamp Lake Trlhd. This a great gentle trail that has several water sources from creeks and options to access the lake. I headed out after the big storm and found one mudflow that my boots sunk into significantly, but days later when exiting it had harden nicely. Nice to see the force of mother nature! Saw a toad larger than my fist. There are also lots of tiny dirt colored frogs in certain sections especially in the clover fields. Watch out for them! They dod try to hop out of the way. The camp with the chair and table at the end of the lake makes a good option if a late start is in the itinerary.
Swamp Lake trail is in good shape and all downed trees are easy enough to get around. At least 2 water sources exist on this gentle climb to the lake. Several great campsites and a couple that are closed for restoration. The hike up to the junction with the American Ridge Trl takes you some beautiful meadows full of blueberries!
Hiked the American Ridge headed east to the junction with Cedar Lake trail which is not shown on green trail map. I counted 28 downed trees but all were easy enough to get over and around even on horses as confirmed by Gary a horseman I met. The trail down to Cedar Lakes is sometimes obvious and other times takes some searching for. It is incredibly steep in the first section and then is more gentle as you hit the tree line.
I moved on to Cougar Lakes and camped at the bigger lake. The trail to the lakes had 2 downed trees but are easy enough to get over. I day hiked up the unmaintained trail to the upper meadows and ridge. It is trench-like with trees encroaching but well worth the effort. You cross the creek at about the half way point. This is your last water source on the climb up. The trail continues along the backside of the ridge to a great view point before dropping off the ridge to the PCT.
Weather was cloudy and cold the whole trip with some rain. This made all the berries even sweeter and the mushrooms emerge. Flowers were still blooming in the upper meadows. Animals spotted mt goats, herd of elk, pikas, marmots, osprey, mergansers and lots of songbirds, toads and frogs, and many squirrels and chipmunks. Incredible area! Please respect it and leave no trace!
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