High Sierra Topix

Hi all. I'm planning a trip this week from Duck Pass trailhead to the Silver Divide area this week. I've thought about making this trip a semi-loop, closing it at Reds Meadow or Mammoth Pass. Has anyone been on the Minnow Creek Trail this year, and if so, is there avalance damage from downed trees along the trail from Lake of the Lone Indian to Iva Belle Hot Springs? Thanks in advance.

Sweet:
I posted a report for July 20-24. I did Duck Pass-Purple Lake-Fish Creek. Some downed trees; nothing too serious or time consuming. I spent about 20 minutes looking for the best place to ford Fish Creek to get to the Minnow Creek Trail. The water was very deep! Was able to find a place that was waist high to me; about 3 feet at the deepest. Water was not moving fast, but having 2 hiking poles was very helpful to get across efficiently.

From that point, I remember lesser challenging fords across every creek to Olive Lake Trail. Horrible skeeters at Jackson Meadow and Olive Lake; had to wear headnet.

One more easy ford on the way to Lake of the Lone Indian. No obstacles, just alot of snow still. Hopefully, alot of snow melt has occured since my trip.

All in all, no serious issues that would prevent one from making the trip. Trail was is good shape despite an epic winter!

Don't have a report for Iva Belle, 2nd, or Island Crossing for this year.

I did a similar hike (7/24 - 7/28) starting at Devil's Post Pile - Island Crossing - Iva Bell Hot Springs and Lost Keys Lakes - Fish Creek - Duck Lake. Reds Meadow/DPP portion was hot and dusty to Island Crossing where we camped and had no problem with the bridge. We hiked up to Iva Bell with no downed trees, then up to Lost Keys Lakes, and over to Fish Creek. At Fish Creek we encountered swarms of sketters and we were devoured by the suckers! (going by the scale, I'd give it a 4.5) Fording Fish Creek was a bit of a challenge, with the water waist high and the trail on the opposite side was a little difficult to find. The Minnow Creek Trail, as Wild Bill mentioned, had some downed trees but nothing difficult to get around. The remaining portion of the trail to Duck Lake and Duck Pass was a breeze with only a few snow patches, which I'm sure have melted by now. Due to the insane snow pack this past winter, it felt like spring time when we were up there....and you'll have no problem with avalance damage from downed trees along the trail.

Thanks Wild Bill and JenJen for the information. Beautiful photos too.