Trail Overview
The trail travels from the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway to Taylor and Irish Lakes through a pine forest. The trail is mostly one vehicle wide with occasional pullouts every mile or so. The trail travels through a dense pine forest including a previous burn area for the last 4 miles arriving at Taylor and Irish Lakes. The trail passes Little Cultus Lake and Little Cultus Lake Campground and trailheads for Lemish Lake and Many Lakes each of which have small parking areas for a few vehicles. Taylor and Irish Lakes are located a few hundred feet from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Hikers may be encountered camping near the lakes. The area north of the trail beyond the Lemish Lake trailhead, including Irish Lake, is wilderness. There are a few dispersed campsites near the lakes. Visiting in late June, there was a significant amount of misquotes and insects beyond the Lemish Lake trailhead likely due to the large burn area to the south of the trail and associated standing water and dead wood.
Difficulty
The trail becomes increasingly rocky and steep towards the end, with some potential uneven terrain up to 18"+, large rocks up to 12", and mud obstacles depending on weather and conditions. A full-sized vehicle will likely come into contact with brush and limbs due to the narrow trail in some places. There's a small water crossing just before the lakes with a few inches of water and a solid bottom surface. Downed trees are common with many previously cut trees along the trail requiring careful navigation in places depending on vehicle width. Carrying a saw or chainsaw is recommended to clear downed trees and snags as needed.
