Today's hike would entail much less elevation change and the further down one goes, the easier the trail grade becomes. That was about the only bright spot of the day's hike. As the trail started down the mountian, there were numerous switchbacks. I thought I was back in the Grand Canyon again. Occasionally there would be nice patches of coneflower and crimson red bee balm, a tad weather beaten from yesterday's late afternoon showers. The first portion of the hike up to the junction with Fork Ridge Trail wasn't all that exciting. There were a few overgrown areas and one downed tree that required some time, but not much else going on.
It was after this trail junction when the adventure began. It became instantly clear that this section of trail sees little use or has poor standing with trail maintenance, despite the many campgrounds in the vicinity. The bushwacking was frequent and arduous, having to push through nettles, raspberries, rhododendron, and many others. And since it had rained recently, the leaves on everything were still holding water. It didn't take long for me to become soaking wet. And since the trail is low lying and parallels the creek much of the way, it covers muddy terrain. Having to navigate the numerous mud pits was a real treat. Sometimes you think you'd be stepping on a rock or log, only to find your boot sinking down into the squishy brown goo. The many rock hops and stream crossings only added to the madness. At times the trail would swing so close to the river...well, in fact you were in the river, having to guess at which boulders made up the actual trail. In some instances you had a rock wall or thick brush on one side, and rushing water on the other, with only a narrow and eroding trail to follow. Any pace I was setting had disappeared because this stretch took an eternity.