Elk Lakes — Monday, May. 8, 2023

Gorgeous little gem for an easy hike (FS trail #805 and 805.1) and overnighter, but a challenge to get to the "main" trailhead (per Romano's book) by way of FS 2480 and 2401. The last three miles are very slow going, but my Elantra did fine navigating the crater field of a road at under 10mph.  Thank the tree poachers who started the Maple Fire in 2018 that obliterated part of the forest you drive through.  The pristine lakes were untouched, though.  There are two tent spots near the 805.1 trailhead on the west side of the lake.  The bridge across Jefferson Creek is long gone and until late summer attempting to ford would be crazy hazardous, so there isn't any way to hike completely around the lake.  The short spur trail to the upper lake is easy, nice for a quick look see.