Brief: few bugs! Lots of wildflowers! Really hot due to the recent forest fires leaving trees bare. The two bridges on the way to Myrtle Lake are burned out, and no signposts remain due to the fires.
Having hiked this trail just before the Duncan Creek Fire, this trail is now unrecognizable, left as an eerie path through charcoal spires. There is basically no shade on the trail, save for one small patch of live trees a mile and a half in. THIS TRAIL GETS HOT.
The trail is in great condition, though it is made of a couple inches of dust and ash. A dozen blow downs on the way to the ford, but all passable. The bridge at Anthem Creek is out but a log jam with a 2 x 4 across it is easy to get across without getting your boots wet. My party had the intention of staying at Myrtle Lake but we weren't willing to risk crossing the bridge, so went on to the ford near Larch Creek, in hopes of taking the "hiker only" trail. Without sign postings we couldn't tell where it was and made camp at what appeared to be an old camp site. There was water access, whether it was the horse ford or just where the deer go to get water. (Note: The ford is likely a horse ford most times of the year, but especially now when the river is wide, deep, and moving swiftly; practice caution.)
Wildflowers are in bloom, and the forest floor is recovering quickly. Strawberries are taking over, lupine is blooming, Indian Paintbrush is almost done for the season and honeysuckle is out in full. Lots of birds and a few chipmunks were spotted. Saw about 5 deer early in the morning.
We did see a party with a bunch of kids, so children should have no trouble with this hike since it's so level. Came across some folks headed out that said they were looking for Snow Brushy Creek past the ford, and there was a creek that looked difficult or impassable.
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