100% agree on the clockwise recommendation. When I did this loop, the trail down from Lee Ridge to Belly River was not just steep, but in places was kinda wet/slick, and brushy enough that you couldn't always see what you were stepping onto. (Not that you wanted to look at your feet if you didn't have to --- some of those views were amazing!) I've always been amazed at people who backpack that section -- especially as the start to a long trip.
::bows in reverence to their awesomeness::