Looking to do a nice 40-50 mile hike. Pretty hard this time of they year. I was thinking of an out and back along the Midddle Fork trail starting @ Hospital Rock. Who knows how far I can go before reaching snow... Bearpaw?

Anyhoo... Thought and comments about the trail, good camping spots etc.
Thanks in advance.
- Aaron

If you dont want to hike in snow, stay away from the mtns in december....

Blair wrote:If you dont want to hike in snow, stay away from the mtns in december....

Dude December is epic in the low country. Perfect day time temps to hike, just wish there was more daylight.

There is a webcam for that area. It should give you an idea about snow levels:



http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/swfrs/pages/WebCam.htm

How about going through Redwood Meadow and continuing up Cliff Creek to Pinto lake? Heck, if it doesn't snow soon, you could probably go all the way up near Spring Lake without snowshoes, etc..
I think that would be a good trip. If you don't mind some bushwhacking, you could even head into Granite Creek (North Fork). I've been up there many times during the winter and fall.