I recently was a part of a volunteer vacation to the Prince Creek area and had such a great time I had to share one of the trails we worked on with the rest of the hiker world. The first part of the week we headed up Prince Creek Trail and cleared logs and brush as we gawked at the stunning and constantly expanding views of the lake. The higher we climbed up the switchbacks, the bigger the panoramic lake and mountains with their countless waterfalls and snowy caps, exposed themselves. As we walked up trail the sheer walls of the Prince Creek drainage closed in around us and peeks at the rushing creek below kept us entertained as we climbed through blackened snags. At about two miles a waterfall danced down the sheer rock face, giving life to mosses and countless flowers and plants while singing a wonderful tune. We installed some awesome steps through the wash which many hikers will enjoy, both in function and aesthetics. A bit further up a very wild west outcropping of rock proved to be home for several snakes which rattled a warning as we passed their dens and sunning spots. At 3.9 miles we reached the bridge and stopped clearing the trail as the bridge was washed out and hanging precariously from one stringer. About an eight mile round trip from Prince Creek campground, this is a great early season trail to hike and I'm thrilled to think of all those that can hike this trail knowing they will have a little safer and easier passage. If you've never been on a Volunteer Vacation, I highly recommend trying it...=)...

Also covers trails 1259, 1259D, and 1255. We had a lovely hike in perfect weather. No snow or trail problems to report. Bugs are kinda bad (both mosquitos and flies). Fish are jumping all over the place (even caught a few). The trail is the dustiest I have ever been on. We went mid-week and didn't see any motorcycles. We did see quite a few horses and mules. I recommend the hike to anyone who is interested. I also recommend doing the loop hike in the clockwise direction because most of the uphills should be either in the trees or on the west side of hills in the mornings.