I can't exactly say there were *no* bugs, but they were so minimal they are hardly worth mentioning. Only noticed a few mosquitos in the evening, but nothing that warranted even considering bug spray.
We started at the trailhead in the Soda Springs Campground; the road in had a few potholes, but nothing major. Cowlitz Trail is in great condition up to the junction with the Jug Lake Trail, and in mostly great condition up to our turn off to the Pot Hole Trail. It is my understanding that trail crews did some recent work on parts of this trail and removed a bunch of logs - thank you trail crews!!! Pot Hole Trail seems seldom used, and at times was nothing more than a faint boot path through the brush, but it was never difficult to follow. While a very primitive trail, it provided beautiful scenery through subalpine forest and meadows. We found lots of ripe berries along this trail, and the meadows are turning golden. Definitely feels like summer is coming to a close and fall is around the corner, at least in this section of the William O. Douglas Wilderness. If you are looking for big views, these trails do not offer any of those, but if you're craving solitude and the quiet of the forest, these trails will deliver.
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