Trails Used
Fire Tower Trail
Trail Conditions
Notes
A beautiful day. There were many people taking advantage of great weather. For me this hike and views never get old.
Parking
The lot had six cars in it at 9:00 am. There was only a couple spaces left at 11:30.
Wildlife
No bugs
Trails Used
Fire Tower Trail
Trail Conditions
Notes
The temperatures have cooled down with no humidity. A gorgeous day! For me this hike never gets old!
Parking
About eight cars in the lot. There's plenty of parking.
Water Crossings
None
Wildlife
A few mosquitos
Trails Used
Fire Tower to Ridge Trail loop
Trail Conditions
Notes
It was a beautiful day. Many people were out hiking. The Ridge trail was quite muddy with some standing water on parts. It was probably due to the heavy thunderstorms the last few days. All in all, a great day to be on the trail.
Parking
The parking lot was pretty full at 10:00 am.
Water Crossings
No real water crossings to speak of, one small , easy to rock hop
Wildlife
No Bugs, except one deerfly that followed me for about .2 miles.
Trails Used
Fire Tower to Ridge Trail loop
Trail Conditions
Notes
Great Hike, Beautiful Day
Parking
The Elmore State park is now open so you can park at the trailhead.
Water Crossings
A few wet spots
Wildlife
No Bugs
Trails Used
CCC Road, Fire Tower Trail, Ridge Trail
Trail Conditions
Equipment
Notes
After a week of warmth and rains, a LOT of snow has melted, and a LOT of ice has formed or risen to the surface. The Fire Tower Trail is an uneven, frozen postholed hell. Use traction with careful foot placement and poles are very helpful. The Ridge Trail is equally poor in spots but generally a better experience since it gets less winter use. The Tower Section on the Fire Tower Trail, between the Vista and the Tower, is largely an ice flow in the lower half. Micro spikes are not sufficient here, but trail crampons are fine if heading uphill and using a couple minor winter bypasses. It is not recommended to descend this segment. If this is too risky either turn around and the Vista or go up and back on the Ridge Trail. Unless a lot of snow falls the trails will not improve until melted out and ice is here and will likely only get worse over the next month or so.
Parking
The winter large parking lot off beach road is plowed during winter and now clear of snow and ice.
Water Crossings
Streams open but easily hopped
Wildlife
snow fleas out recently and a random flying bug or two but nothing annoying yet