As of April 1st the operating hours for Golden Ears Park have changed for the spring/summer season. It's now open from 7:00am - 11:00pm

With that knowledge, I figured it was time to go see what the conditions were leading up to Golden Ears. The West Canyon trail up until Gold Creek lookout was in good condition, a few puddles but nothing too outrageous and snow free. After Gold Creek lookout the trail remains in good condition and snow free up until before Alder Flats.

The trail just preceding the Alder Flats camping area is covered by approximately 20-25cm. The camping area itself is covered with a consistent layer, with approximately 60-70cm of snow. As stated on the BC Parks website, the bridge is still washed out (the bridge just before the camping area), and the creek's water level is low enough that one can make a relatively safe crossing, across some exposed rocks.

There were great views of Edge Peak from the camp site, with all the brush sitting bare, you're able to peer out and see views that are hidden in the summer time. If I had started earlier, I would've definitely given Edge Peak a try. All along the trail, with the brush being so bare you're able to get glimpses into areas that you would otherwise not see, unless you start bushwacking; it was refreshing.

Now this hike wasn't without some glaring annoyances. This particular outing was more a job than a hike. Some idiot had recently hiked to Alder Flats too, and during their hike, they had littered the trail with empty beer cans and food wrappers. I can't understand how they could commit such an egregious act. The situation became just plain weird when I was at Alder Flats.

Whoever this person was, they seemed to be using the outhouse as their camping spot. Their clothes strewn about, and their food was inside the outhouse too. It seemed like they just up and ran. I have reported this incident to the park ranger. I picked as much garbage as I could fit in my spare grocery bag, but much of the garbage near the outhouse I had left behind; I wasn't sure if this person was still there or not. Anyways, if anyone is heading out that way any time soon, if you're able to pick some of the garbage it would be greatly appreciated; I grabbed all the garbage that was littered along the trail. I don't know what was worse, this person's disregard for nature or their choice in beer. Seriously, who drinks Wildcat beer?

Oh yeah, they were also shooting a movie in the park. Specifically, in the West Canyon Trail entrance parking lot. The security guard for the movie set said that filming would be finished April 7, so you should be able to utilize the parking lot at the time of this writing.