FS road #49 is driveable to within 1/4 mile of the trailhead, and is melting out fast. Some campsites at the trailhead area are already melted out. The trail starts out snow-free, and has only patchy snow for two-plus miles, but some of the patches are two to three feet deep and post-holey: bring gaitors for sure, poles advisable, snowshoes definitely not needed. It felt really wonderful to hike in such deep wilderness among such huge trees of several varieties. Spring was in the air, and temperatures were bordering on hot. Mosquitos were out, although somewhat lethargic and easy ""prey"" for my palm. Skunk cabbage was sprouting, but not yet opened to flower stage yet. There is a nasty washout of the trail about 3/4 of a mile from the trailhead requiring an uphill detour. There is a ""phantom detour"" that looks easier because it only goes about 15 ft up the hill, but it has slippery roots, and one slip would put you into the river 100 ft below. Some Forest Service folks were there flagging a safe detour higher up the hill. There were also the expected quantity of blowdowns, but nothing the intrepid hiker can't scramble over or weasel under. It will be quite a while before this trail is open for horses. If anyone is looking for a nice river hike with the best selection of huge trees, and is tired of Boulder river, etc, this is your hike!
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