The first 30-45 minutes or so is a steady climb through the forest and then the view opens up as you hike across mountain meadows with sweeping views of the surrounding area.
We hiked this trail in mid-August and there were plenty of beautiful wildflowers adding colour to the landscape.
Once we got to the open meadows the dogs had a grand time charging around and used the small streams to cool off.
We got to a point where my dad said that I should stay behind as it would require hiking on a narrow ledge with a scrambly descent on the way back. Being the chicken that I am I thought that was a wise choice. So I stayed behind with the dogs and my stepmother while my dad and brothers continued on to finish the trail.
Her are some pictures of the view from where I stopped hiking.
The following are pictures that the boys took as they continued on the trail.
Overall this was a very nice hike and it is very likely that you would have the trail to yourself. We only came across one other hiking group when we were there. The climb was fairly steady with no long steep inclines.
As we were driving back down the forest service road after the hike we were treated to seeing a black bear cub scampering along the road and then darting into the woods. This was a thrill for my brothers who had never seen a bear in the wild.
