About a mile from the West Fork trailhead we departed the path and bushwhacked more or less north. Had planned to muck around on the prairie north of FR 249 but found it occupied by cattle. Walked on the railroad grade to Thompson cabin, then joined Thompson Trail south. We encountered two fishermen catching nothing and a couple skinny dippers with a dog. Crossed the stream and followed the West Fork trail back to our car, seeing no other hikers or any wildlife. It was a gorgeous day in one of the White Mountains' lovliest areas.