As we approached the Margaret's Way trailhead this morning, two nice hikers coming down the trail warned us about gunfire up ahead (possibly hunting?). They said they had turned back when it seemed too close. Not five minutes after passing them we heard the gunfire, as we hiked it got steadily louder. We eventually decided to turn around as well.

A good alternative is to head to the Whittaker Wilderness trail right across the road, which we did. We followed the main trail and turned off to Long View Peak trail, which connected to Deceiver Trail, heading toward Doughty Falls. The falls were much smaller than we expected. The trail up is steep and rocky but there is a downhill stretch where you can get a break. Excellent trail which crosses several creeks. We will be returning!

Fall hiking keeps being great!  Today we hiked a 7.5 mile figure 8 loop from the Whittaker Trailhead.  We pulled into the TH before 9:15 and were on the trail at 9:25. Two cars pulled out so everyone in my group was able to snag a parking spot.  The porta potty was open, had supplies, but was very smelly.  When we arrived back to the TH at 2:15 a service truck was pumping it out so it should be good for awhile.  The skies were overcast and it was in the low 40’s.  Our route followed the Whittaker Wilderness Peak Tr to Shy Bear Pass, then Left on Long View Peak / Deceiver Trails, Right on Shy Bear , Left again on W / W Peak Tr all the way to the Wilderness Peak Bench.  After a short snack rest break we completed our loop following Gombu / Wilderness Cliffs Tr back to the main trail.  The entire trail system is dry and many areas have fresh fallen leaves lining the path. There have been a few recent blow downs and dead fall tree across the path. All easy to navigate, several have been chainsawed and pushed off the trail.  All the side drainages have been recently dug out in the event of rain.   The new foot bridges are great improvements, thanks to whoever built and installed these! Trail traffic was super light we encountered less than 15 people the entire time out.  Vine maples at the higher elevations are still brilliant yellow.  It is hard to imagine they will be on the trees much longer.  No wildlife sightings, we heard a few birds chirping and that was it.  We did pass 5+ piles of dog poo, please pick up after your pet!  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.

Although it might be officially autumn, this hike is very green as it is mostly through conifer forest, with minimal views of fall foliage. Since it was the day after some rain, steeper parts of the trail were a bit slippery but not muddy at all. Overall in good conditions.  Parking is kind of limited, maybe 10 spots, went on a Sunday around 11:00am and lot was full. 

Gombu up, Whitaker down.  Nice, wooded hike close to home.  Not very busy.  Only problem is that there are several rather steep sections with loose rock that make for stressful hiking on the way down (at least for a 71-year-old).  I couldn't have done it without hiking poles.  

Trail was quiet and weather was pleasant. Ran into three parties with dogs off leash including one that barked and started to charge at me as I rounded a bend. I understand the motivation to let dogs off leash but . . .