Trip Report (Bearpaw Meadow HSC)
Day 1: Wolverton to Mehrten Creek - Trail was in excellent condition, lots of flowing streams along the way up to Panther Gap and then down to Mehrten Creek. Saw two separate bears, but they both seemed uninterested in us and after a little yelling they just walked away. Mehrten was flowing, campsites 1 and 2 were occupied, but stayed at 3. The map on the tree was misleading to find the campsites, go between the boulder and the east creek and go up and youll find an decent path to get to the campsites.
Day 2: Mehrten Creek to Bearpaw Meadow HSC - Trail was in OK condition, lots of downed trees and rockslides along the way on the trail but everything was passable. Good amount of water sources along the way, but totally exposed to the sun. Bearpaw Meadow Ranger Station was closed (following day we saw the two rangers who were opening it and turning on the water) but found the backpackers campground and there was the small spring that was flowing enough to get water for the night but I would recommend a CNOC bag to fill up. Lots of deer at the campground throughout the night and some of the campgrounds had bear boxes. One of the pit toilets was open, but the one at the Backpackers campground was closed.
Day 3-4: Return trip the same way we came, got the lowest campground at Mehrten Creek with the bear box. Lots of marmots so be mindful of your food/belongings, but they caused us no issues. Made it back to Wolverton on Sunday before Memorial day and the park was packed.
Happy to share any more info about Trail conditions before the season really starts to kick off. Happy Trails!
*Edit: updated that the Bearpaw Meadow Ranger Station was closed. The HSC remains closed for the season.