Before we get started, let me talk about some current events.
- The temperature is hot hot hot. Make sure you have enough water for you and your party (2 and 4 legged). Don't forget the sunscreen too!
- Courtesy of America's enemy to the north, Canada, the air quality currently sucks. If you have asthma make sure you prepare for that and carry an inhaler with you. I hit mine twice.
- The Forest Service roads in are in rough shape. Someone managed to get their Kia Forte to the trailhead, not super sure how. I hope they eventually got it back to paved road. Lots of potholes. I was getting tossed around pretty good in my Jeep and it's lifted with big tires.
- The privy at the trailhead is nearly full, which is impressive if you realize how big those tanks are. When I say full, I mean it will probably be overflowing soon if not cleaned. Might want to hit the can before you get to the trailhead. Also, we're going to be getting 2 new pit toilets out by the lakes but they aren't installed yet.
- Some of the boardwalk boards aren't as stable as they look. Tread carefully.
Now on to my trip report:
Despite the trail description saying that it starts on an old logging road, the trail start is clearly marked. Do not bother going down the obvious old logging road. I did this, so did someone else I ran into on the trail. Just go to the marker near the privy that denotes the start of the trail.
"This trail also makes a pleasant weekday hike for those with creaky knees, as it is not difficult."
Not sure who wrote that, but I will heartily disagree with that sentence. The trail starts off pretty easy, however once you cross the bridge you begin to gain elevation very quickly. In fact it's continuous elevation gain till you get to Beaver Plant Lake. The elevation gain is pretty brutal for those of us with bad knees. Coming back is just as bad. Initially it's a gravel trail that just keeps going up and up...and when you think its over it goes up some more. From there its more elevation gain with lots of tree roots, so watch yourself.
That said, there's quite the reward waiting for you at the top of the hill. Beaver Plant Lake and Upper Ashland Lake are both gorgeous (I didn't make it to Lower Ashland Lake, but I assume it is too). There's a bunch of boardwalk trails around both that are nice to hike on. There's a few fire pits around Beaver Plant Lake and a bunch of camping areas around Upper Ashland Lake. I saw some shiny new fire pits on the side of the trail so it looks like some of the camp sites will be getting an upgrade soon. I will be coming back at some point with an overnight pack to take advantage of the camping. I can also confirm that there are brook trout in the lake as well (at least one, I saw it).
I enjoyed this hike and I can't wait to go back. However, I wouldn't call this one a gentle hike for those with creaky knees. Come prepared for that and you'll be fine
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