Swauk Forest Discovery Trail — Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

I got to the trailhead just before 9. There was one other car with a pair of women and their dog I would encounter again later. The vault toilet is open but not stocked. I chose to head east up to Swauk Meadow Peak. The view from the top (there's a bench!) was lovely, with the distant peaks dusted with snow, and larches dotting the forest. Wisps of smoke from a nearby fire, which I hear was prescribed, rose over a distant ridge.
The trail was frozen solid most of the time, but not slippery. On the west side of the peak was a blowdown that was awkward but not impassible.
I didn't do the whole loop, but on the way back, I ran into the other women, who had done the western loop. They noted it was beautiful and had great views and lots of larches, so I think we each got what we needed, and felt okay not doing the whole thing.