As previous reports indicate, the trail is fairly straight forward in the beginning and once it gets harder to follow, there's tape marking the way. We referenced our GPS a couple times to make sure we were heading the right way but things became more defined again in the last 3rd of the trail. There are some blowdowns that are easy enough to climb over. The steeper parts of the trail do have quite a bit of debris so careful footwork is key - I wore trail runners and my husband wore some approach shoes.
The heather, avalanche lilies, bear grass, and other alpine flowers are blooming. We didn't spend much time at the lakes as the bugs were annoying and they weren't super spectacular (IMO). Many fish were snacking on the bugs that fell into the water. We did spend a little time exploring the higher alpine area above the lakes that sits around 4000' and stopped at the river crossing on the way out to bask in the sun and splash cool water on our skin. I personally didn't find this hike to be nearly as challenging as it's been made out to be - we left the car at 8:45am and were back by 2:20pm.
Comments
Nuckers on Mildred Lakes
Thanks for the report. I'm backpacking there Saturday. I've been to Mildred several times for day hikes. I've always wanted to explore above the lakes. Can you explain the area you explored a little more? I was planning on heading counter clockwise around the largest lake heading to the North hillside below Mt. Cruiser. Is that where you went and if so can you elaborate? I'd like to make it to the ridge on the west end of the lake for the view.
Posted by:
Nuckers on Jun 12, 2019 10:43 AM
treesaretravelers on Mildred Lakes
We just putzed around on the way out in the little alpine area above the lakes to the east - where the trail is. We had to be back for something in the evening so we didn't have much time to explore beyond the lakes. I've done quite a bit of exploring across the valley on the other side of Mount Skokomish and all of those ridges look super cool. Have a great trip!
Posted by:
treesaretravelers on Jun 13, 2019 07:33 AM
greymstreet on Mildred Lakes
Just curious if you remember where you took that photo? Just did this hike and didn't see anything like that. Must have taken a wrong way trail
Posted by:
greymstreet on Aug 21, 2019 01:35 AM
treesaretravelers on Mildred Lakes
Before the trail descends down to the first lake is where I took this. It's an open section and there are couple small standing bodies of water up there. Was my favorite part of the trail as I wasn't super stoked about the lakes themselves. Hope that gives you an idea!
Posted by:
treesaretravelers on Aug 21, 2019 04:18 PM