This is a nice fall hike. Much of the trail was covered in fallen leaves, like kicking through a big leaf pile. We were under the tree canopy for much of the hike, which proved nice when an unexpected rain blew through. I got to test my new Marmot PreCip rain jacket (a thumbs up).
There are primitive campsites around Gillette Lake, making this a good hike for beginner backpackers. Those sites are about 2.5 miles from the trailhead and just 292 feet elevation so no threat of snow. There is a creek feeding into Gillette Lake for a filterable water source.
The trail has a lot of roots and rocks in the path, nothing difficult, but notable for walkers concerned about twisting an ankle. One down tree over the trail not far from the trailhead, but an easy climb over (photo included).
We did not get to the Greenleaf Overlook but did a short loop after the second lake/pond going North then East on quad trails and meeting back on the PCT before Gillette Lake. This was a day trip for us, 8.9 miles. I've never met a trail I didn't like. :)
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