South Thurston Peak(s)

Limestone Ridge Traverse (Big French -> Green Mtn TH)

This was my last chance to get a quick trip in before the first snow. I parked my car at Green Mountain Trailhead and then coasted downhill on my bike to the French Creek Trailhead. I took a horseshoe type route with this logistic method. I have left a FULL report with the USFS Weaverville Ranger Station on this trip. I approached Thurston Peaks from the south on Limestone Ridge, breaking off the trail before twin sister peak. I can't in good conscious recommend the same route, as I would soon find that the 2008 Buckhorn fire destroyed much of the canopy and there was THICK underbrush. I wish I had loopers, I had to crawl for a .5mi section or so. The spring I relied on was dry, so I had to traverse the entire ridge without any water. PLAN accordingly. 

So lesson learned, look a Sat Imagery a bit closer next pre-trip! Instead, take the stroll from Green Mountain Trailhead. No brush! There are some downed trees on your way tp Brushy Mountain, but there are well-blazed paths around them. Going this way would also give you a good chance to head further N on Limestone and peak bag Pony Mountain. Water is much reliable on the Green Mountain trail. Good flow at Willow Gultch Creek, as well as spring pools at Ladder camp.