Lake Constance Trail obliterated. Mt. Constance access?

[Jim]

Ron Jackson just sent me a link to a trip report that said the trail to Lake Constance was impassible. This makes climbing Mt. Constance an issue too. I'll try to put the link here.

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-repor ... 0141457265

[JayThompson]

Jim, there are other reports that say the same thing, more or less over at NWHikers. If you know the way and are willing to climb around some of the devastation I think you can still get through, not recommended though if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. Here is a trip report that shows pictures of the damage, as well as pictures of the lake from this February. http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7979784

BTW, I moved this from trip reports over to News and Announcements.

[crabio]

Yea this was my trip report up the Lake Constance Trail. I've read a lot of posts regarding the condition its in and I do have to say that I don't think it is really as bad as people are making it out to be.

I will say that for the average Saturday hiker, even in its original condition, this was not a typical "hike". That being said, most people who want to hike to the lake are probably going to have some experience under their belt. If you have a little experience I think you will be just fine. All you have to do is follow Constance Creek up until you get out of the fire damage. I'd say that it is really pretty hairy for about the first half mile. Lots of big boulders perched precariously, huge trees you have to go over/under. I'll wear a rock climbing helmet next time I go. After that, the damage starts to lessen some and then it's just like the same old trail. As long as you are patient and painstakingly careful, It's not really that bad.

Access to Mount Constance this year will not be a problem, especially for those who have been up to the lake before. Like I said earlier though, even if you have never been, just follow the creek up until you get out of the damage and then you can locate the trail pretty easily.

This still ranks up there as one of my favorite hikes because of all of the varied scenery you get to hike/climb through to get to the lake and dwith the fire damage there now, its just one more aspect of nature you get to enjoy.

-c

[JayThompson]

Per the ONP Trail Conditions Page updated on 7-10-2010 -

Trail is snow-free to the lake; however, 3 campsites remain snow-covered.

Trail crew has cleared down trees and flagged trail through burn area on lower portion of trail.

Watch for falling debris on steep slopes from the Constance Fire this past summer.

High clearance vehicle recommended to access washout trailhead.

Closed to stock.

Dosewallips Road is washed-out 3.5 miles from trailhead. Hikers can get around the washout using a temporary trail.

Road also washed out at Case Creek - see notes above.