First for the seasoned hikers/backpackers:
Arrived on a Sunday at 8:15 AM and had a close spot along the road. Passed a lot of backpackers coming down, but I wouldn’t say the trail was packed and it was easy to find a solo place around the lake. We were literally the only people at the campground at night. Left at 10:15 on Monday AM, there were only 7 cars in the lot.
For newby backpackers:
This was my first ever backpacking trip but I am a good hiker (if out of shape on hills). I went with my almost 18 yr old daughter, also her first trip (in VERY good shape). I wanted more than the suggested beginners 1-mile hike in, and so tried this one. I am writing here things I couldn’t really find in other reports or online.
The first mile was the “getting used to the backpack” and both my daughter and I agreed that first mile was rough. A little incline but really just figuring out that extra weight. We did the lower path both ways. On way in you really settle in after that first mile and it’s flat, meandering and lovely. Then it goes up for the last mile+, rock scrambling a bit, but daughter and I both agreed while steeper and needing more breaks, still easier than that first mile.
If you aren’t sure of the trail, always opt left on the way up. There were two questionable side quests, blocked by sticks/branches but they still made us think “which way?” Just always go left.
One reason for choosing this was BECAUSE all the trips say that there are so many people. I was hoping to watch other campers to learn how to improve. I was literally SHOCKED that we were all alone at night. So much for the slow entry in to backpacking LOL. As a city-born and bred, GenX, Blair Witch Project in the theaters (way back when the question was “Is this real?!?”), I will be honest and say I slept with my glasses on and bear spray in hand, but I did it, and you can too!
Also, just because there was mixed messaging on line, there is a box toilet at the campsite. Pic below for prep. We packed out TP just to get into that best practice, but others put in the pit and it seems to be allowed.
Oh also, there was a sign at the beginning of the trail that mentioned needing bear canisters or bags that I never saw needing before on any sites. Since we were all alone, we hung bags of food and garbage on the far side of the campground.
The pro of being alone was the morning lake to ourselves. Incredible.
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