Quick overnight loop to Three Forks via Deer Ridge/Park with a side-quest up Blue Mountain, then out via Gray Wolf/Slab Camp Creek.

Fairy slippers and fawn lilies greet you almost immediately on the trail and I'm pretty sure I also saw a chocolate lily in the mix as well. As I got closer to Deer Park, the fairy slippers gave way to grass widows, heather, violets, and more. Outstanding views on this bluebird day, even if meant the climb was extra sweaty. Re-filled my water at the spring down off loop C and stashed my heavier items in a bear box for a climb up Blue Mountain; no problems walking the road since the area is still closed to traffic, though there is lingering snow in the shade on the way up and it's still entirely snow covered on the north side. I had my spikes so I used 'em, but you could probably manage with poles or just some extra-careful footing. Regardless, it's a fairly easy climb and well worth the extra effort for the full 360 view. 

Then: the descent. Less agonizing than I feared, especially with the afternoon sun beating down on me on the ridge's southern exposure, but certainly much easier than going up. For comparison's sake, I think descending Lake of the Angels is much, much worse and I love that hike. Anyhow, no issues getting to Three Forks and setting up camp - tons of great site options and nice privy, proximal to the shelter - and I didn't see a single person since departing Deer Park. I almost considered staying up top, but those panhandling deer creep me out and I would've woken up Sunday morning in a wet cloud of fog.

No problems hiking out Gray Wolf / Slab Camp Creek either - a few minor obstacles to step over/through, but nothing you wouldn't expect this early in the season. All bridges look to be in fine shape and there's plenty more wildflowers in amongst the trees, though only a single rhody flower so far, up near the TH. Not very many people at all considering the gorgeous weather and the holiday weekend, but oh well - their loss.

The last few miles of road to the trailhead were badly potholed, and the potholes were filled with water.  I wouldn't recommend trying it in a low-clearance vehicle.

We were the first car at the trailhead at 8:45 on a Thursday.  We saw only 2 other hikers all day.  The trail was in good shape.  We encountered one log, which we cleared.  We hiked in about 3.5 miles, to the 4900-ft level, which was about a mile past the benches.  At that point, the clouds closed in and there seemed little prospect of good views at Deer Park, so we turned around.

But there were plenty of flowers in bloom:  trillium, glacier lilies, chocolate lily, Saskatoon, fairy slippers, chickweed, and honeysuckle.  In all, it was a good day on the trail.

No change to the most recent trip report from May 4th.  Road is still terrible with potholes so take it slow.  Trail is in great condition and no snow until you reach the campground and then patches on the roads which is as far as I hiked.  No attempt at Blue Mountain.

The wildflowers lower are doing well with Calypso Orchids, Chocolate Lilies at the first view point just over a mile in on the trail, various areas with Fawn Lilies.   The highlight though is the Grass Widow flowers just before the campground near the Three Forks trail junction.  Meadows of them and many close by the trail to take a closer look.  They will only have another couple of weeks and then they will be gone until next year.

Of course you can't go to Deer Ridge/Deer Park without seeing deer.  Several greeted us as we approached the campground.

Wildflower report: trilliums, yellow violets, calypso orchids, fawn lilies down low, gorgeous fields of satin flowers up high right before you reach the campground. As previously noted, lots of potholes in the final mile to the trailhead, just take it slow. Trail is snow free to the campground with just occasional patches, melting out and muddier in the afternoon. Went for Blue Mountain, the road is still snowbound at the top and it’s easier to bushwhack up the south side, staying on scree and dirt to avoid trampling wildflowers.

Hiked from Slab Camp to the benches on Deer Ridge- ~ a 5 mile round trip.  When we arrived at the benches around mid-day, we were greeted with fabulous mountain views and bright sunshine.  Within a half hour the fog rolled in and the mountains were completely obscured.  Trail was in good shape with just a couple of small deadfalls that were easy to cross.  Scattered wildflowers including Lillies and Trilliums were blooming in spots.  Slab Camp Road and Forest Road 2875 were in pretty rough shape with lots of deep potholes in spots.  That said, we saw a Toyota Corolla and Honda Prius in the parking lot, so even small sedans were able to make it through.