Attempted to drive to trailhead on 5/5/00, but hit considerable snow 10 miles before trailhead.

I decided to give this
east-side hike a try for the first time & judging by the number of cars in the parking lot (on a Monday) it is quite popular. And justifiably so, as there are spectacular mountain views, beautiful wildflowers all along the way, and a jewel of a lake at the end that is big enough for everyone to find their own little corner. Delightful creeks are encountered frequently, and all are fairly easy to cross. The trail is in great shape, with no mud or blowdowns. While the flowers are in bloom, and everything is growing, nothing is encroaching on the trail. Bugs were even practically nonexistent. The last time I visited this area, the mosquitoes were awful. I wrongfully assumed that it would be that way again. Not all hikes can wait 'til September or later! It is an easy 2 miles to the lake, and I would guess it is maybe another mile to the far end of the lake. Some maps show it as 2 lakes, but right now the water level is up so it is really 1 big lake with a wide,shallow section connecting the 2 segments. I was just up for the day, but I saw some great campsites for a future overnight trip. This would be an excellent hike for those with young children. Plenty to keep the kids occupied & amused, and the length and difficulty of the trail are perfect for young or novice hikers. Incidentally, the road from Salmon la Sac is in great shape. There is one spot with a creek running over the roadway, but it is no problem.

Nice, easy hike into Hyas
Lake. There are lots of small creeks and a couple bigger ones to cross but if you can maintain your balance crossing via logs and small rocks, you'll be fine. No snow on the trail up to Hyas. There were lots of kids at Hyas; Father's Day Weekend and all. Not that I dislike kids, but I prefer my weekend getaways to be a little more quiet. Luckily we got a spot a bit away from everyone. Tried to hike up to Tuck & Robin Lakes on Sunday, but it started getting late and the weather wasn't looking too promising. Had to head back. Be sure to allow enough time for this hike... with rests and lunch we were in it about 3 hours from Hyas before we decided to turn around. The trail to the lakes is hard to see as it's covered in snow at first, but it looks like the Forest Service put up markers in the trees to help out a bit. The trail up to the lakes is steep and sometimes hard to see. The view up top, however is well worth the climb... even if you don't make it all the way to the lakes! :0)