Mildred Point — Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

23 trees down on the Van Trump trail between the junction with the Wonderland trail and the spur trail to Mildred Point. Most are along the ridge line portion of this trail. Only a few required leaving the trail, most I was able to go over or under sometimes requiring pack removal. Someone had cut branches on several of them which I helped toss off trail and it made my return a bit easier. Snow finally started at 4900 feet on the final switchbacks before the spur trail. There were small sections at 4400 and 4600 ft. I used micro spikes to the spur trail and was able to access water at the creek there. I used my snowshoes to climb up to the first meadow where I found a sunny patch with a gorgeous view for lunch. I was well past my turnaround time. I wore my snowshoes down to the switchbacks which helped compact the trail for others to come. Saw no one all days!