Hiked the 3.9 miles to the Caddis Fly Trailhead from the Blanchard Forest Upper Trailhead via DNR B-1000 (Locked DNR gate prevents driving to the trailhead). Having done this numerous times, I knew what to expect -- At 2.3 miles, the climb to the top really begins. But it's logging road, so not bad, just continuously "upward." At 3.75 miles, there is a spur to the right which has a quick detour (less then 500 feet) to a logging landing that a great view to the north into Canada. From the sign denoting the Caddis Fly Trailhead it's 0.3 miles to the junction of Alternate Incline Trail (of which the other end was passed on the DNR road) which allows a 1.8 mile return to the parking lot if desired.
Continuing into the Blanchard Forest one may partake of the many trail options available. We (my dog and I) took the route past Lizard and Lily Lakes. Trail crews have been building new vault outhouses for the campgrounds at the lakes and I was curious as to the progress -- buildings are up, but not open yet. Proceeded down Max's Shortcut to the Lily Max Connector and Lily Lizard Trails for a return to the Upper Trailhead parking lot for a total 8.9 miles.
When hiking the upper portion of DNR B-1000, don't forget to stop and look around -- plenty of awesome views of Mount Baker and the Lake Samish area.
Only one car at the trailhead (as is typical on weekdays) when I arrived and left. Springtime bugs are starting to appear, but not bad at all (yet).
Safety Note: Last July I spotted a bear track on the DNR road (around 1300 feet altitude), so just be aware.
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