From the Mineral Creek Trailhead, we headed up to Pickhandle Gap via the Fog City Trail Saturday at 4 PM. Followed the Pacific Crest Trail north for a bit, and set up camp on a ridge leading out to Gold Hill. Next day we hiked out via Bear Gap.
Access. The road was rough right from the turnoff from Hwy 410, and we left the car in a pullout ¼ mile from the start of the trail where there was a small washout, ½ mile past the large parking lot (and the very accurate) "no trailer turnaround sign"). Several unsigned junctions on the road.
Conditions. Both the Bear Gap and Fog City trails were dusty, steep, and covered in loose rocks in places, but clear of obstacles, other than some light brush. Good mix of open and tree-shaded sections. No issues on the Pacific Crest Trail. Fog City Trail crossed a small, muddy trickle of a stream ¼ mile below the Pacific Crest Trail, and we heard (but didn't see) a slightly more significant stream along the upper part of the Bear Gap Trail. The ridge towards Gold Hill had a well established trail, but no established, flat campsites (at least not along the first ½ mile).
Flora & Fauna. Plenty of wildflowers were in bloom, but conditions were probably to dry for a big show. Some ripe blueberries, mostly along the road, and lots of unripe thimbleberries on the slopes. Saw some chipmunks, ground squirrels, an elk, and a marmot (in the north-facing meadow below Pickhandle Point). Bugs were not an issue.
Crowds. Didn't see anyone other than 3 parties on the way out on the Pacific Crest Trail between Pickhandle Gap and Bear Gap, plus an actual Forest Service Ranger driving up and down the road (looking for campfires to put out?).
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