I'm planning a little hike on the Manzanita Trail -- Vincent Gap to S. Fork Big Rock Creek and Holcomb Canyon, then up to Islip Saddle, then along the PCT back to Vincent Gap.
Been a couple times this spring, between V Gap and South Fork CG. Trail in that section has been worked end-to-end, and is in good shape except for the usual landslides above the summer camp. Water is almost always available in Dorr Canyon, but may require a short detour up-canyon towards the narrows. Icy Spring also almost always has water, but I'd filter there since it is downhill from the highway.
Haven't been to the Holcomb crossing in several years, but in the many years and all seasons I have been there, it's always had water. Very pretty place to camp!
South Fork near the camp should have water, only goes dry very late in the year. Likewise Lamel Spring. Don't know about Reed Spring.
Thx! I'll join the others and start chanting "TRIP REPORT! TRIP REPORT!"
Also, for Dorr Cyn it's almost always got water up at the narrows, but that's a 5 min walk off-trail (10 if you get lost in the 'hedge maze'). A short ways up the narrows is an excellent waterfall, btw.