Trail run from the Sitka Spruce trail (trailhead along Middle fork Rd, Discover Pass required) up to the CCC then to Middle Fork trail to the Rock Creek turnoff up to Snow Lake. Total distance about 27mi by GPS.
Sitka Spruce: trail a little overgrown but still in decent shape, definite signs of old maintenance (log steps cut in)
CCC: new bridges are great! Very easy to follow the trail now, no guesswork needed.
Middle Fork: Water available at the campground. Trail is in great condition, and beautiful.
Rock Creek: Steep in places, overall not very runnable. Some scree fields and overgrown portions. A few water sources but not many. Only a little exposed in early afternoon.
Snow Lake: Gorgeous, but very crowded on the portion towards Alpental. Plenty of scree and rocky trail. Only about half runnable.
Snow Lake Trailhead parking lot was pretty crowded when we arrived around 4pm, including an ice truck selling to hikers(!)
I'd recommend 3-4L water capacity on this run, and refill at Middle Fork campground (and bring water treatment backup; BeFree bottle with inline filter mouthpiece was handy at Snow Lake)
Interesting nature: massive bolete mushrooms, pika, blue huckleberry, raven
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