Thanks for the trip report FireDude67, I am planning on taking this route in September 2018. A friend of mine stationed at the Powell Ranger District recommends waiting until September (after the first frosts have killed off the majority of the mosquitoes). He also says that a chainsaw is mandatory with all of the fire killed snags along the way.
I too really appreciate Trip reports such as yours & Pics provide the essence of the landscape. Gives us all a chance to consider the possibility of including in our plans - especially when they are enthusiastically endorsed by a fellow traveler with a similar vehicle.