Cooper River — Sunday, Jun. 9, 2019

Got an early start with boots on the trail at 6:15. About a dozen cars already there, but I am pretty sure most, if not all, were on overnight trips. It was a beautiful, cool morning at 37 degrees. The trail is in pretty good shape, despite the winter wear. Just mind your footing, especially in the first half mile or so. Lots of roots and rocks.

There is one creek crossing that, with selective rock stepping, can be done without getting boots wet. There are a couple more on the lake side of the trail. Again, with care your boots can stay dry.

Very nice selection of wildflowers, lots of birds singing, and I startled a deer near the end of the trail, not far from the road.

I walked through the Owhi campground, which was pretty much full. Might have been one open site. I went past the campground to get the awesome view at the end of the lake. Always worth it, if you have time in your schedule.

Except for the people at the campground, I only saw about 6 groups all day, and only one dog, on a leash (thank you to the pup's humans!!)

Saw some whitewater kayakers shooting the rapids near the trailhead as I got back. They were really good and fun to watch.

The parking lot was full when I got back and a ranger was checking passes.

Pretty sure the mileage on WTA is a little longer than actual. Alltrails has it at 5.6 which I think is more accurate. I am guessing the WTA mileage is from the end of the paved road, which would be an accurate distance during the winter since you have to walk to the trailhead once the road closes for snow. snows.

It was 70 degrees when I got back to the car. Dressing in layers is the way to go with that much of a swing in temp.

Important note, I highly recommend driving the speed limit of 35 on the road to Roslyn. I had a collision with an unfortunate deer on my way out. If I had been going faster, it could have been a lot worse for me and the car. I feel bad about the deer. Tried to find him, but he had run off. Hoping the poor thing wasn't hurt too badly.