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.
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