I heard from someone who hiked the Fall Creek trail today, from Hidden Springs to Big T river and back. The person or persons, who likely know Jake, reported that the trail is in fine condition with only two or three parts where a person needs to push through a little brush or be slightly more careful than usual with footing.
The views are amazing along this trail. Showcasing the dramatic geology of the San Gabriels, it's beyond disappointing that more people can't visit the area due to the long-suffering (and baffling reasons behind the) Station Fire closure.
Big T flows with clean, cold water, surely a lifeline for the animals who are dealing with the drought right now. (Though this area is normally drier and more desert-y than the rest of the range, walking on powdery sand in January is not expected)
When trails are outlawed, only outlaws will hike trails I guess.