As of today, the King Range Trails are in pretty good shape for those of you adventurous travelers heading out for a winter trip. There hasn't been any snow to speak of and the rain has been quite minimal for this time of year. All week on the Crest, it was sunny with highs in the mid sixties. Since before Thanksgiving, I have hiked much of the King Crest Trail and its tributaries. Here is the play by play and condition report:
Horse Mountain Creek Trail was cleared on December 2. There is one tree down at near mile one. It is an easy step-over, 8" diameter lying on the ground. There has been some illicit motorbike activity on this trial so I am leaving a step-over here and there. The two trees that were reported in late summer as difficult to pass have been finally removed.
Buck Creek Trail has fewer than half-a-dozen trees down mostly in the middle portion. These are all easily passable for backpackers. There are some areas that need some spot-brushing but nothing that will hinder navigation. Note that one of the "trees" down is actually a large limb from a Douglas Fir. The limb is still hung-up in the tree and is partially hanging over the trail. It is simply impossible to remove at this time with non-motorized equipment and a trail staff of one person. I have cleaned it to make it passable. Just don't lunch under the hanging limb.
King Crest Trail from Saddle Mountain Trailhead to Maple Camp has several blowdowns, none of them impassable. Note that about two miles from Saddle, the old road which the trail follows ends and constructed hiking trail begins. At this point, there are three medium-sized trees down across the trail. These trees--on first inspection--will suggest that the trail is somewhere else... don't be fooled. Step across these trees--all of them are step-overs--and the trail becomes easy to follow just beyond them.
Maple Camp is in good shape with good water flowing.
Lightning Trail was cleared yesterday. There are a few trees hung up near the trail which could come down in the next storm. None of these are blocking the trail but watch for them.
King Peak is open and snow free.
King Crest Trail from Lightning Junction to Miller Junction. Completely clear and open as of last week. There have been no major wind events since then.
Bear Hollow Camp is open, in good shape, with good water flowing.
Rattle Snake Ridge Trail. I hiked as far as Bear Hollow on a day-trip and saw no problems. Some other hikers I talked with who had come from Big Flat mentioned that there are several trees down on the switchbacks but nothing difficult to pass. The hikers also mentioned that Big Flat Creek at the bottom of the switchbacks is high and difficult to cross. Be warned.
Trees can come down at any time along the King Crest, particularly in areas that burned in the 2003 Honeydew Fire. When you are hiking up there, keep an eye out--especially if it is windy--because being wacked by a large branch or any tree could ruin your day. Maple and Miller Camps were spared the fire and so has no elevated risk of blowdowns. Bear Hollow did burn over but many snags were removed by a CCC crew this past spring. Camping at these locations should be reasonably safe. Choose your lunch spot carefully, though, and don't set up a wilderness camp in an area surrounded by snags or hung with widowmakers. Always Look Up, Look Down, and Look Around--be aware of your surroundings--in the wilderness.
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