Getting to the trailhead, we actually drove by it the first time. We only saw a sign for Gold Creek, not Tubal Cain. Got up to Silver Creek, realized we went too far and headed back down. At 9:30am, we got the last parking spot in the actual lot. By the time we got back to the truck at 2pm, lots of cars had parked along the shoulders and there were no spots really available.
The trail was in great condition with the exception of one downed tree across the trail but easy to climb over. The trail was well maintained, very gently and soft, only a few patches of rocky areas. We ended up missing the Tull Canyon cutoff and went all the way into the camp ground which added a couple miles to the hike but kind of funny to see parts of the downed aircraft used as a bridge or table.
Turned back and found Tull Canyon, not really sure how we missed it the first time except the signage is off to the left and up. I must have just been looking down at the trail. The climb up to the aircraft is fairly steep and rocky. Once you get to the clearing that the plane remnants are at, the bugs made their presence known. Just a quick poke around, it was pretty foggy, and back down we went.
This hike would be amazing during rhody season - the trail was lined with them for the first couple miles. I would definitely be interested in continuing on to Buckhorn Lake at some point but will have to work up to that!
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