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First
mile of the trail is overgrown with bushes and has quite a few blow-downs.
After that trail turns into switchbacks and climbs steeply through
the woods, where it is not as overgrown, but still has blow-downs.
In about 3 miles it enters the first meadow. There is a campsite
there.
Following the ridge the trail continues further going through woods
and meadows. It is very easy to loose the trail in the grass. Continue
to go straight, ascending to the ridge. In about 2 miles there will
be a very nice place for a campsite 
- an open, even meadow on the top of the hill with impressive view
.
From
this point climbing equipment and skills are needed.
For
some time trail follows the ridge to Gamma Peak .
Cross the first gully after the campsite and continue further. The
slope is very steep and covered with snow. If you do not have ice-axe,
your best way to cross the gully is to follow the top of the ridge.
It is about 0.5 mile between the campsite and the turn to Gamma
Hot Springs. To get to the summit you need to cross the last gully
and start climbing up the trail.
If
you destination is Gamma Hot Springs do not cross the last gully
and do not go up to the summit, but instead turn right and follow
the ridge down. One should not make an attempt to follow creeks
drainage, this can be very dangerous. Make sure you look for a trail
going somewhat in the middle between Gamma Creek and it's right
tributary. Due to the snow you will not be able to see the trail
right away, but look for it on your way down. It quickly descends
following the ridge.
In
about 1.5 mile you will reach the area where Gamma Creek meets with
it's tributary. At this point if you will continue straight you
will reach a very steep downhill, instead what you need is to go
down the right slope to the tributary. Cross tributary and continue
down Gamma Creek for another 0.3 mile. It is very hard to see trail
on rocky slope, so pay attention. Also it is very important that
you do not go down to the creek immediately after crossing the tributary,
but continue about 10 - 20 feet up on the bank. You will begin to
scent the springs.
The pool is not very big and situated on the open slope very close
to the creek .
This allows you to control the temperature of the water, for it
is quite high - about 150F. Right near the pool there is a piece
of black pipe, which contains notes of those who visited the springs.
Left of the creek across the pool there is a campsite big enough
for one tent, but about 300 feet downhill there is another spot
that is possible to use for camping. It will take you about another
hour and a half to reach the hot springs.
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