Gold Creek Trail to Alaska Lake — Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023

Still autumn foliage to enjoy but quickly fading. However, lots and lots of cool fungi to admire. On this non-rainy day, no wet foliage but can image that going through the shrubby areas below the talus slopes and avalanche area could be soggy. As it was, in those areas only had branches whipping at our faces to be an annoyance. Pikas called from the rocks as we passed. Heya...about that creek crossing where earlier reviewers turned around: I suppose it could have been a high flow day or didn't have good balance. Dunno. For our group, stepping across on rocks worked for everyone with nary a soaked boot (see picture). After the work of over/under/through the tree fall (starting at about 3 miles), crossing the talus slope right before arriving to Alaska Lake could challenge tired legs (see picture) Video of Alaska Lake here.  12.5 miles, 1763' elevation gain.