This hike is dedicated to the memory of Ralph Smith.
Third time is a charm.
Well for this hike it was. I had previously attempted a variation of this hike back in June but had to turn back early after not feeling well. The second attempt was two weeks prior to this successful attempt. That time I tried to hike this 6-mile loop in a counterclockwise direction but lost the Willow Springs Trail some 3 miles into the hike. This time I tried it in a clockwise direction and succeeded in completing the loop.