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September 2015: Tin Can Gap

On Labor Day weekend, some friends and I decided to explore the Three Fingers trail I hiked with Jim in 1998. Due to the added time required for bicycling to the trailhead, we elected to hike only as far as Tin Can Gap.

In the years since Jim and I hiked the trail, the road was closed due to flood damage. The road closure is at the bridge over the South Fork of Canyon Creek, about 8.5 miles from the trailhead, where large rocks have been placed to prevent access using motorized vehicles. Foot and bicycle traffic is allowed on the road; bicycles are now the preferred means to access the trailhead.

The road to the trailhead is an easy 8.5 mile ride. The grades are gentle, and roadbed is in good shape. In the years since the closure brush has encroached on the road. In some places it feels like single track, with brush so close to trail it touches the rider’s shoulders. Because the roadbed was packed and maintained for cars, the trail surface is still firm, with very little water damage or ruts. The trip down after the hike is great end to the day - fast downhill (one easy climb) with enough opportunities to peddle gently that it helps relax the legs after the hike.

The trail, which was rough when Jim and I hiked it, is rougher now. The section below Saddle Lake contains many rocks, tree roots, and fallen trees blocking the trail. Its slow going, but the old growth forest is nice. Above Saddle Lake the trail gets a little better, but there are still many rocks and wet spots. As the trail approaches Goat Flats it opens up and passes through several meadows containing tarns. Goat Flats is large meadow with panoramic views of Three Fingers and the mountains to the north. After passing Goat Flats the trail is a dry rocky traverse followed by a short climb to Tin Can Gap. Tin Can Gap provides close up views of the Queest Alb Glacier and Three Fingers (we saw v ery little due to the fog).

We turned around at Tin Can Gap. The trail continues above Tin Can Gap for a couple of miles, until it ends at the lookout on the top of the South Finger. Jim and I climbed to the lookout on our 1998 trip. This section of the trail is considerably rougher than the trail to Tin Can Gap. There are several sections which require scrambling and crossing exposed snow. Good boots are a must; some people take an ice axe. The trail ends at the base of three ladders ascending to the lookout.

Thoughts for Future Trips

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