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Starting from the Johns Creek Trailhead, the trail begins to switchback up a steep slope shaded by Ponderosa Pine, Lupine and Arrowleaf Balsamroot abound on this stretch in May. The tread is narrow in places. As you climb you'll be treated to magnificent views of Golden Canyon to the east.
The trail soon arrives at an old homestead site. Daffodils, Silver Poplar, and apples are a few plants found at the site. Here the trail also comes to an old road bed. Turn right and follow the trail markers as the trail begins to parallel the slope. In this section the trail crosses, in order, West Fork Wikiup Creek, East Fork Wikiup Creek, and Ralph Smith Creek.
After the creek crossings the trail emerges onto a gentle grassy slope. the tread becomes fainter and eventually disappears altogether. After the trail disappears, turn and hike up the gentle slope for the last few yards to Forest Road 648 (Lower Cougar Road).
On the other side of the road there is another fruit orchard. This makes for some interesting exploration, and a fun challenge to find the former site of the cabin.
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