I did this as a hike and snowshoe, starting at Maverick Saddle, then on trails Upper Mad River and Jimmy Creek to Cougar Mtn.
The last 2.5 miles of road 6101 is rough but doable with high clearance. The road is steep, narrow and rocky with up and down dips and few pull outs. The hillside on the side of the road goes down quite a ways at times.
I hiked Upper Mad River trail to just past the bridge, approx. 1 mile. About half of this trail has compact, icy snow which is easy to walk over or around. Trekking poles were very helpful.
Just a ways past the bridge is the turnoff for Jimmy Creek trail. It’s not signed but if you get to the large boulder field, you’ve gone too far. The first mile or so is high above the creek on a steep and narrow trail, but which is currently snow free, probably due to it being south facing.
Snow started at ~5,000’ and I put on the snowshoes shortly after that. If you do carry on from here GPS is highly recommended. I followed the creek, picking my way over fallen trees, other small creek crossings, meadows, etc. I crossed Jimmy Creek at ~5,600’ at a safe crossing
Continuing on and gaining elevation, the trail is appearing here and there. I took the snowshoes off at ~5,900’ and then at ~6,200 went straight up to the summit of Cougar Mt. Beautiful views all around!
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