Jack Creek, Meadow Creek — Tuesday, Jun. 6, 2023

Hiked to the Meadow Creek meadow (at the Snowall-Cradle junction) via Jack Creek yesterday. The trail is clear to about halfway between the Jack Ridge and Meadow Creek junctions, thanks to a Backcountry Horsemen work party this past weekend. Beyond that point, there are about 25 trees down before the Meadow Creek junction. In the mile and a half from that junction to the Snowall junction at the meadow, there are about 80 trees down on Meadow Creek, many of them green, limby, jackstrawed, and waist-high or higher. That said, the jungle-gyming wasn't too bad with a day pack. And don't despair! BCH has several more work parties planned on this trail in the next month, and both the Forest Service and WTA will be there later in the summer. Check back later for further reports!

Other notes: Both Jack Creek and Meadow Creek are easily crossable on foot already (but still cold!). Jack is about thigh-deep at most (on a 5'4" person), but the current is not strong. On the far side of the Jack Creek crossing, the trail is flooded and submerged for about a hundred feet, but I'd expect the water to recede quickly as the creek drops. Expect to get wet and muddy and plan your footwear accordingly :)

Mosquitos were annoying at the trailhead and the first couple miles of Jack, but barely existent on Meadow. That will probably change quickly. Lupine is not quuuite popping in the meadow, but I bet a week or two from now wildflowers will be at their prime!

The Meadow Creek trail accesses some pretty cool country that starts to feel remote fast. (Mine was the only car at the trailhead on an early-June Tuesday, and it's often nearly as empty even on a mid-summer weekend.) It's exciting that so much collaboration is coming together this summer to open up the Jack/Meadow/French/Snowall loop(s).