Drive
The drive was uneventful. The road is mainly paved; only the last half mile is gravel, although the pavement is rough. Watch out for the dips.
On the trail
I did a counter-clockwise loop starting from Goat Mountain Trailhead on Rd 26-12. If I were to do it again, I think I would start from the Green River Horse Camp as it would even out the mileage a bit and make it so that you don't end a long day with a short but strenuous uphill.
Some earlier reports mention many down trees on the trail, which is no longer the case, and it has been logged out. I only walked around a single tree on the spur trail leading to Vanson Lake, which would be easily surmountable by either a bike or a horse.
Berries were ripe or ripening. Flowers were blooming but past prime. The amount of bear grass would be a grand spectacle in full bloom.
The bugs at the lake were a minor nuisance but nothing that kept me holed up in my tent.
And while there were two other parties camped at Deadmans Lake, I saw nary a soul while on the trail.
This trip's highlight was spotting an owl alongside the trail. The view of the surrounding volcanoes from the ridge was grand. I love big trees, and the short section of old-growth forest did not disappoint. Both lakes were teaming with fish and salamanders!
Comments