1000 thanks to the NMA (National Motorcycle Association) and everyone else that has worked on this trail. The dicey water areas no longer exist and the trail has been built up and buttressed so thoroughly that it will be problem-free for years or decades.
The road to the trailhead is great. There is a clean and stocked privy at the trailhead (a forested campground). The scenery along the trail in the canyon and along the river is beautiful (the video gives a little feel). All 10 people on the hike said that they will be coming back here.
There are lots of interesting flowers blooming, with more to come. The standouts for me were the Tweedy's pussypaws/lewisia (many more of these to come), snow douglasia (starting at 3.5 miles), thick bluebells and ballhead waterleaf, balsamroot, and many more. There are lots of interesting plants that we didn't recognize that will be blooming soon. In a week, there will be a great variety of flowers and still some pussypaws (I am guessing).
I am a tell-all trip reporter, we found morels, a thick patch around the 5 mile mark.
Comments
Bob and Barb on Lower Mad River Valley
Thank you so very much for your timely report! I tried to call the Entiat RS to see if the Tweedy's were blooming yet and they are closed because of a staffing shortage. We hope to head that way next Tuesday to camp in the area for a few days! BEAUTIFUL photos as always! Will you be doing Keystone Ridge and Mills Canyon this trip or later in May? Looking forward to your report from your through hike!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on May 03, 2023 02:11 PM
AlpsDayTripper on Lower Mad River Valley
Thanks, always glad to help. I'm leading the Keystone Ridge to Mills Canyon traverse next week. I can't wait!
Posted by:
AlpsDayTripper on May 03, 2023 03:23 PM
Lucy on Lower Mad River Valley
Lucky you to find those morels.....
Posted by:
Lucy on May 03, 2023 06:37 PM
hikingwithlittledogs on Lower Mad River Valley
Thanks for the report. Beautiful photos!
Posted by:
hikingwithlittledogs on May 03, 2023 07:20 PM
AlpsDayTripper on Lower Mad River Valley
Thanks!
Posted by:
AlpsDayTripper on May 04, 2023 04:38 AM
Don Gerald on Lower Mad River Valley
Beautiful photos, and nice report on an under-appreciated area. Your morels are safe from me -- yuck-o-rama!
Posted by:
Don Gerald on May 03, 2023 09:11 PM
AlpsDayTripper on Lower Mad River Valley
Thanks! I wasn't the mushroom person in the group. :-)
Posted by:
AlpsDayTripper on May 04, 2023 04:40 AM