My hunting partner and I decided to scope out this trail for deer, fish, and catch a challenging hike with great views in an austere setting. We definitely found it austere, with great views and vowed that next time we would bring bivys and fishing poles as traveling with light 10 essentials on this trail will make it more enjoyable.
About 0.8 miles up the trail-head I would recommend filling your water bottles at the creek if you are filtering as the next good water source this time of year wont be until after you crest the first ridge before huckleberry creek. The first gut check will be after you come out of the forest into a clearing (2500ft) of log falls and begin seeing the rocky ridge to your right. We found the cairns to be the most reliable as I think some of the tape can be deceiving at times. Also look for the logs that have been cut to clear the trail from time to time. You will ascend 500 feet to a ridge before dropping down 200ft into a river valley where you can have lunch and fill up your water again. Take a big rest here, as the next leg is the tougher ascent. You will have to cross a couple logs here, then follow a trail up about 100 feet before it looks like the trail dead ends....I have included a picture from the bottom of the vale you would almost have to slide into if it weren't for the roots. Once you get out of this vale, the cairns and tape are pretty accurate the next 1000 feet which you will ascend in about .3miles...I tied my pole to my pack because I was hand over hand a lot of the way up to the awesome views at the top 4100'. The lakes were worth the hike, but the highlight for me were the views from the ridge above them if you are short on time.
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