Mazama Park via Ridley Creek — Sunday, Jun. 4, 2017

I go up Ridley Creek trail each year early in the season.  WTA was back at the trail head this morning getting ready to go work on the trail, thank you to all of you hard working women today!  The trail has some trees down but all can be gone over, under, or around.  Snow did indeed start at 4100 ft but it was consolidated so it was not a problem.  I continued up to the Mazama Meadow and the shelter there.  I could see the lookout but the meadow was my destination today, maybe on the next trip I will go up and over.  So, now comes the talk...I know this trail (as well as most in this area) and I carry a gpsr with the summer route on it.  I carry full gear (I could spend the night and survive...not be comfortable but survive) and wear mountaineering boots so that my feet are always dry and warm. I used my microspikes and gaitors today for safety and dryness.  So, I agree, if you are not prepared, do not go up in the snow.  But if you are, the adventures are yours for the choosing.   Hike on.