Mount Pugh — Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2025

Beautiful clear day that provided stunning 360 degree views. Lots of trees across the trail, often the log is too large and grade too steep to climb over so there are quite a few cuts up the slope to navigate around them.

The lake along the way is fairly murky with lots of debris, would bringing sufficient water rather than relying on a refill there.

On our way up, we happened across a man-made campfire that was not fully put out. There was dirt across it but it was still heavily smoking with substantial dry kindling nearby. Thankfully, it was close to the lake so we walked back and forth to collect and dump 10 liters of water onto it. The water boiled immediately upon contact. We checked back on our way down and found some glowing embers off to one side. Thankfully we were able to move the still damp dirt from our prior water adventure over and fully extiguished it. Really illustrates how important it is to follow a burn ban when one is in place. Our lovely day hike could have turned dramatically if this fire had caught and spread.

Additionally, sad to note large amounts of trash near the boulder field including human feces on the trail near there. Disappointing for sure.

Other than that, it was a wonderful day with blooming wildflowers, lots of blueberries near the lake, and only one tiny section of snow.