I think this might have been the last day with easy snow-free access to this little gem of a hike. The unpaved forest road has some intense wash boarding up the first incline, after you leave the black top. Then there are significant potholes to dodge as you make your way up to the trail head. Outhouse open and decent, but not stocked. No snow at all but I'm sure that's about to change.
We took the loop heading downstream first, the Western larches have dropped their needles covering the trail in a lovely yellow amber glow. Temps were chilly and the wind made it more so. We were wearing full on winter gear and were happy to have it all with us. After we crossed the bridge with a furious Icicle creek raging away beneath us making our way upstream the wind eventually tapered and the sun came out. Still not warm but not unpleasant and really how nice it is to be hiking on a dry day at the end of always rainy November. The trail is damp but there are no mud or other issues. No wildlife except the usual Doug squirrels, who always have plenty to say. At the top end of the hike you get good views up into the higher peaks and there's plenty of places to admire the crashing cascades. Heading back down stream everything was mellow just a few other hikers out. Done in time to head back to town for lunch.
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