4/28/23 - Hiked out of Staircase to Spike Camp. Trail was in pretty good shape until just after the junction with the Flapjacks lake trail. Trail was about 80% covered in snow from the junction to Spike Camp, but fortunately, the camp is only a few hundred yards from the junction. In camp, about 50% covered, but was able to find a site that had a snow free spot for a tent, so pitched it for a very cold night.
4/29/23 - Went back to the junction and headed up the trail to Flapjack. A couple snow patches in the first 400 feet, then pretty snow free up until about 2mi in, close to the Madeline Creek crossing. Trail becomes about 80% covered and a few sketchy crossings. Snow is pretty soft and gives way easy, so be careful. I pushed past the bridge and pushed on another mile until I came a side area the cut across the trail. Snow lay across the trail through the slide area at a steep angle and all the way down until it hit the river several hundreds of feet below. There is about a 10 foot section where it is completely covered in snow, and one slip would have you sledding all the way into the river below. With the snow being so soft, I decided not to chance it, even with my snowshoes. A small error would have large repercussions. Turned back around and made my way back to camp. Pit toilet earns a 5 out of 5 star rating, however. New, clean, and insect free.
4/30/23 - Woke up, packed up, and hiked the 4mi back to staircase and my car.
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