Stunning trail. Snow was very minor, easy to cross with poles, and doable without. Other recent trip reports cover everything you need to know ....
Except ... 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟
The mosquitoes are horrendous right now! Strangely, they aren't bad in the lower forest, but once you hit the ridge, you can't pause long enough for a photo without getting bitten.
At Ridge and Gravel Lakes, I had the worst mosquito experience of my life -- and I grew up camping in the Midwest.
At any given time, there were 60+ little suckers buzzing against the mesh of my tent. They abated after dark, but were back full force in the morning.
I couldn't exit/re-enter my tent without half a dozen of them getting inside.
My housemate counted 83 bites on my butt alone.
And I was doused so heavily in repellent that passing hikers smelled and commented on it. 🤯
If you dare hike this gorgeous route right now, be prepared for war, and/or enjoy bonding with unhappy SOBO hikers about the wretched swarms. Maybe you'd stand a chance with permethrin, DEET, and those toxic little coils. Or maybe just wait a couple weeks? That's when the berries will be poppin', anyway.
Comments