EISPIRATEN

I was looking for a new trail to hike and Sean suggested the South Fork trail to the campground. He said it was my kind of hike. I read some of the reviews on All Trails and it seemed most people were terrified and turned back because of the washouts and knocked down trees on the trail. I will admit that I was a bit doubtful but I've hiked some pretty dangerous stuff so what the heck! I found a post Anthony wrote two years ago. It inspired me even more to do it because he mentioned the stunning views, rocky and narrow trails. Sean confirmed this and said don't listen to those negative reviews. I started from Islip Saddle so it was an out and back, upside-down hike for me. I invited a friend and we had the trail all to ourselves. The reward was the refreshing Big Rock Creek by the campground. We decided to eat our lunch on the rocks while soaking our tired feet in the water. I loved every moment of this hike. True there are four sketchy washouts and a few knocked down trees. I spotted a waterfall above the creek and wouldn't you know I found a benchmark. Stats: 10 miles, 2178' loss/gain.

I couldn't believe my eyes! This BM was on a rock on the side of the trail. I noticed it on the way back. It was a weird place to find a marker. I thought maybe the rock fell from the ridge above. I failed to take a picture of the entire rock.

There is a BM listed on CalTopo, was this the place?

Hi Jeff,
i am almost certain that this is the spot where I found the benchmark.

Neato. How much snow on the ACH East of Islip Saddle? I'm waiting for the road to reopen.

Dima, no snow at all by Islip Saddle. It was completely melted. I was there on April 2nd before doing this hike. I was in shock that there wasn't any snow on the road or on the PCT trail, I also looked down the road where the gate was still closed and as far as I could see no visible snow. I was going to take a picture but forgot. This is what it looked like in April.
the road behind the gate
The Pct trail up to Baden Powell

I knew you'd like that trail. Good BM find.