Did you find any remnants of that elusive side trail to Cache Meadow?

I wish I could have come.....Sounds like a fun weekend!

I didn't have much of an opportunity to look very far. I think I saw a blaze above the Shellrock trail headed up the ridge. It's just as described by Joe Keller, a few years back:

"It started in the trees near the clearcut between Hideaway and Shellrock Lakes, close to Shellrock Lake. It went up the ridge"

It may have been easier trying to follow that old trail than the snowy way we went. I'd like to explore that old trail someday.

Hi Kirk, do you think that the Cottonwood Meadows trailhead will be accessible by next week?  It's only a mile or 2 further up from Hideaway.  Maps show it over 4200' though.

Of course it could be mosquito hell already, we've had some hot days and lots of wet.

Want to get out and camp but may need a plan B.

From what I saw on the trail between Shellrock Lake and Frazier Turnaround, the snow level was about 4,500'.  I'd give it a try. But like you said it would good to have a "Plan B".

The mosquitoes weren't bad when we were there, but they're probably getting hungrier with each passing day.

Thank you!  Am also considering Anvil Lake but not sure if there's anywhere to camp over there.