I parked the Jeep down by the Stop sign and started up the short dirt road to the trail head. I noticed a few other boot tracks in the dirt but not many. As I rounded a bend, I was very pleased to see to see three cabins that had survived the Station Fire! Luckeee! Unfortunately, I also saw the foundations of several others that didn't make it along the hike. From what I could tell, at least 5 cabins in the canyon made it through the fire. Good for them!
IMAG0236 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
The trail that used to go off to the left and circumnavigate the first few cabins, doesn't exist anymore, so take the road. After a while you reach this little sign:
IMAG0237 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
After you go over the little ridge the road narrows into the trail and passes the last of the torched cabin sites. From there it is a pleasant hike of wild flowers, oaks that seem to have survived the fire nearly unscathed and numerous creek crossings. When the canyon opens up and you begin the uphill climb you are bathed in the golden hue of the surrounding hillsides. It was simply gorgeous. The trail is in fairly decent shape up here, with only a couple of minor washouts. It is a bit overgrown at the moment and sometimes makes it a little tough to see where you're planting your foot.
IMAG0238 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
IMAG0240 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
IMAG0241 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
IMAG0245 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
IMAG0246 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
Rounding the bend at the top you receive one of the nicer benefits of the Station Fire; an un-obstructed view of the twin falls! Really nice!
IMAG0250 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
I passed on the use trail down to the falls. I figure I'll wait until the oncoming hoards blaze it a little better. I proceeded upstream, bolder hopping and following the trail when I could find it. I had intended to hike up to Tom Lucas Camp, but I finally gave up when I could no longer find the trail and grew weary of getting stabbed by yuccas. I hiked back down to the pools just above the falls, had a PB&J sandwich, and then enjoyed the lovely hike out.
IMAG0251 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
IMAG0252 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
There were a few people milling about their cabins as I walked by, but other than that, I didn't see another soul! I doubt that will ever happen again.
IMAG0256 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
It was a lovely day. I would reccomend heading up their before everyone figures out the area is open.
IMAG0254 by Robnokshus, on Flickr
