I book ended my week with a second hike after visiting the Big Four Ice Caves last Sunday. This was my intended destination that day but the road was becoming treacherous due to the snow we received and I decided not to push my luck. Good thing too as the first 3 miles or so off the pavement after Barlow Pass are covered in compact snow and ice made slick by the rain a week later. Seriously, if you plan on going way back on Mountain Loop and continuing on from Barlow Pass to not attempt it without 4WD or AWD at this time. The snow/ ice mix isn't deep but it is slick and I found myself sliding a bit even crawling along in 4WD but it can be done. There was also a minor rock slide not far from Bedal but you shouldn't need too much clearance to go over it. FSR 49 had a bit of tree debris on it from recent storms and a spot trying to wash out near the trailhead but the road wasn't a hard drive. I counted just 4 vehicles off the pavement today, 2 on the Loop and 2 early on FSR 49. There was no one at the North Fork Sauk Trailhead when I arrived and I saw no one while I was out hiking.
Most of my hike was dry or with a mist but it did sprinkle a few times and turned to rain just as I got back to my truck at the end of my hike. The forest canopy was drippy but did a better job of protecting me from the weather. I only made it to the Pilot Ridge cutoff today not only because of the shorter days but because conditions were deteriorating the further along I went and I wasn't dressed to tackle the increasing snow conditions. There are stretches of ice and snow along the trail but nothing to keep you going the right direction. The first major creek crossing was a bit of a challenge as there was a lot of ice covering the rocks you would use to cross the creek, I was happy to have my poles along here. There was one major blowdown just before the Pilot Ridge cutoff that was slick with snow and I skinned my shin trying to go over it the first time.
This trail is always a treat with its big trees and lots of moss. It doesn't have to be a nice day to enjoy this forest walk with its remote river keeping you company most of the time. The abundant fungus that pops up here in the fall is gone now but I did see some tracks in the snow that I believe belonged to a bobcat. No sign of the kitty today but I did hear birds off and on. It was a great day for a solitary walk in the woods on one of my favorite trails.
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