[churchill1979]

Anyone have a suggestion for a backpacking trail that is accessible for this weekend, June 20th at this time of year? Looking for something that is 3-4 miles one-way and easy enough for beginner backpackers - trying to get the girlfriend into the outdoors lifestyle! Gonna be a challenge nonetheless so hopefully there is a good trail out there that isn't covered in snow right now!

[Backpacker Joe]

Welcome to the site Church. I might suggest Wallace Falls State Park. Great views of three falls and Wallace lake at the end. Then you can loop back around on an old service road.

[Hulksmash]

Wallace Falls is great for beginners But if it's the same loop that i think BPJ is suggesting, be warned it's around 12 miles. I'm not sure that kind of mileage is for beginners. Biting off more than you can chew is a sure fire way for beginners to not like hiking. Here's my vote...Boulder River, there's plenty of scenery along the way. If your not feeling ambitious stop at Feature Show falls. Or you could go all the way to the "end" which is about 4 miles.

[Wazzu_camper]

Lake Dorothy was 99% snow free last weekend, but you need a higher clearance vehicle to make it up the road. I had no problem getting there in my Jeep Cherokee. the trail is in good shape too. Only a coupler small blowdowns. Also the trail is about 3 miles in with about 800-900 feet of ele. gain.

[Trail snail]

It sounded like you were looking for an overnight trip? Ingalls Creek is a good one, there are camps all along the way, not much gain and lots of flowers.

[Obi Tony Kenobi]

For an easy backpack, I recommend Boulder River. Nice scenery, lots of green and waterfalls and the river is alway right next to you. At the end is a nice campsite that is quiet since not many people go all the way to the end of the trail.