White River — Friday, Aug. 1, 2025

I wanted to revisit the White River trail after my visit last year.  The approach FS road is in very good condition.   I drove up to 25 mph coming into the trailhead.  The last couple miles (4total) are very narrow with many blind corners.   Like many of the roads, the biggest danger is the car coming in the other direction in the middle of the road.    There were about 10 cars here this morning for the three trails served by this single trailhead.  No modern facilities, just a box privy about 50 yards from the trailhead (backtracking the FS road).   

The good news for hikers and stock is that the FS and WTA have cleared the first four miles to the Boulder Pass Trail intersection of all obstructions.   There are still sections of medium heavy brush that extends into the tread but nothing to hinder your path forward.   This is why I always wear long pants while hiking.   

I do Not recommend stock past the 4-mile point on the White River Trail.   The maintenance crews have not removed fallen trees across the trail.  I went about 1.5 miles further and had numerous 24” plus down logs to step over.   This next section was the focus of brushing by a WTA work crew this past week.   They opened up another mile of trail.   The bad news is that this open area has long sections of very heavy brush ( you can Not see your feet).   Hopefully the FS will continue to send crews to reopen this corridor.    

I did find the WTA crew brushing away in the late morning.   I dropped off some treats and then headed back.   I passed two backpacking groups headed up the Boulder Pass Trail.   

One safety reminder.   Hunting season starts on August 1st for bear in the high country.   The bears are nearby based on the scat along the trails.  Enjoy.