In some places it was pure hell, but in most it flew in the tops and left huge patches untouched. Those were fantastic places to go before the fire. In that zone I have hiked in four seasons, snow is not the issue so much as getting there is. Most of the most interesting places are locked out now by new government regulations. Example is the waterfalls behind Nutrioso and down toward Hannigans Meadow (permit) that are now gated to keep beginners out.