I hiked the Lodgepole trail and part of the PCT last weekend. Interesting trail, but it has several rather confusing junctions, especially at the northern end. I intended to do a loop - down Lodgepole, across Red Lake to the PCT and then up the PCT back to where I started. Since I missed the turn for the Lodgepole trail (junction isn't marked except for a "horse camp" sign), I ended up doing the loop in reverse.
Interesting trail - much like the Red Lake trail - very rocky in spots. Very interesting place at Cornpatch Meadows, too.
I have never been on that trail. The horse people always took care of it. Except perhaps to pick up rocks.
Horses do tend to loosen rock. On Red Lake we debated whether removing them would deepen the erosion. It's a Catch 22.
Any pictures? Curious about Cornpatch. Also, I believe I was told there is a trail off it to another lake, not mapped.
Donovan
I put a picture of cornpatch meadows on the trail page (a panorama shot). A very interesting place - kind of like an oasis. You can see other photos from the hike on my webpage.
I think a lot of the rocks in the trail is due to runoff in the spring. Many portions of both trails look like stream beds.
I saw the note about the side trail, but since I did it on the way back, I was getting really tired and just wanted to get back to the truck. I guess I'll need to look for it another day.