Lake Dorothy - Lake Bear - Lake Deer — Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023

Started at the washout 4 miles before trailhead for Lake Dorothy. road past washout was in great shape, all fallen trees cleared. Trailhead to Dorothy was in good shape, a few lingering wildflowers and blueberries ripe for picking. Water still running at a good rate, although all the creeks and lake were pretty warm (great for swimming, not icy cold for filtering).

Campgrounds were well maintained. Several along Dorothy to chose from, just a few up by Bear and Deer. We were the only ones camping between Dorothy and Deer and we saw, just a few day hikers all weekend, although did meet an awesome Forest Service crew clearing fallen trees off the trail and fun to catch up with them.

Smoke from the wildfires blew in on the 19th, and by the 20th it was really smokey.

Highly recommend this one for anyone looking to get away from the crowds. first 4 miles does make this a longer day hike for families, but a hidden gem for backpackers.