Well, I'd hoped to go to Lake Lillian, but I switched from Sunday to Saturday owing to forecasts of bad weather on Sunday (which indeed came to pass) and some necessary shopping stops first to closed-on-evenings-and-Sundays places, so I didn't get to the trailhead until mid-day. Although it was October, the parking lot was still just about full, although a couple of cars more could have squeezed in there or by the start of the trail. The ""trail"" head, which some reported as drivable at some times lately, was barricaded to cars again, so everybody walked all the way up through the clearcuts, and it was a clear cut, not a tall tree to be seen except up on high. By the time I reached the junction with the Lake Margaret trail it was 2:45 and getting apparent that I wasn't going to make it to Lillian unless I wanted to spend of lot of time hiking back in the dark, so the choice became going to Margaret or Twin. I chose the latter to make it a little longer hike. I didn't try scambling up the mountain, but peek-a-boos from the trail and the view from the trail junction gave an idea of the scenery. Most of the fall color on this hike is actually in the clear-cut section. When I got back to the car at 5:45 PM, I found mine was the last one left; anyone who wants to brave a chilly October night in the high country there might well have it all to himself.

Well, twas a late start due to revelry at the carcamp the night before, but we did indeed hit the trail at last around 10:30 am. It was friday so we still had a bit of a head start on the holiday crowd we were certain we would be amongst.

This trail has an unmotivating start but hang in there, once up to the ridge things improve. Plenty of camp robbers and chipmunks will entertain you on the way up.

The twin lakes were beautiful as we passed and once to Lillian we discovered we had the acreage to ourselves. Note that the trail left along the lake can be a bit tricky for a few spots in a row, particularly w/ a big fat ex frame pack. Unkind weather crept in, obscuring the lake with fog after trying to intimidate us with a yellow tone as the sky became increasingly overcast.

It rained all night, and the temps dropped plenty. My old halfmoon tent started letting in the water about the floor seams. I awoke with a full bladder not not not wanting to go outside. Sometime while contemplating this my dog let one out pretty much on my head. <hint- the t-shirt over your nose trick still works pretty good> Consider this ""Blow-down""

At some point around 9 we gave up holding bladders and hiding from the cold rain and wind. We paired the weather with perhaps the worst breakfast I have ever had camping. Avoid the ""eggs w/baco bits"" sold by Gi Joes. Spend the extra $1 for the mt house eggs and ham. We couldn't finish it. The 4-legged did the dishes.

All these trials and tribulations became quickly forgotten when I pulled about a 16"" trout out of water. A rainbow, it was the biggest trout I've caught. I think I squealed like a little girl (I'm not a little girl). A picture was taken, and she was put back to safety.

The walk out was sooo much nicer after this. We were almost to the exiting switchbacks from the ridge when we at last saw weekend campers on their way in. I said nothing about the fish :)

All in all, trail is in pretty good shape. Fairly dry trail, no snow at this point. Grouse, hummingbirds were seen. Mosquitos are starting to mill, so juice or clothes should be used to deter. Believe I found cougar scat on trail right prior to it dropping to twin lakes, so keep your eyes open. Have fun and stay classy San Diego.

T

Trail is overall in good shape; however, low-level bushes growing close to the trail will soak your pants/shoes if it has rained recently. There were only a few patches of snow to cross but none so big as to make the trail disappear. Only made it as far as Twin Lakes - but that was scenic enough for a lunch break. Some great campsites at the lake. Round trip with lunch was about 3.5 hours.

Memorial Day Weekend 2005 Friday 1:40 PM

Arrived at the trail head for Lillian, an easy drive from the gold creek exit off of I-90. Rangers were there talking to hikers and mtn bikers. No new news of Lillian or the trail at that point. 80's as I embarked solo up the ""gauntlet"", the first phase of the trip up through the sunny clear cut trail. First snow was past the Margaret Lake cut off along the saddle. A few patches 20-30 yrds long.

On the way down to the first set of very small lakes mud and some snow. Lakes all clear and full.

The next phase up to Lillian was snow free, the fisherman is trail up and down!. At Lillan, plenty of snow on the east side trail. South end campsites clear and dry. I walked around in hopes of finding a north-end site. Snow still in low flat spots, I camped above in a makeshift flat spot. Total travel time about 3:25 hrs.

Sat. 8:40 am Sunny and warm

Took the NW path up through the rock fall to the first ridge over looking Lillian. Dropped down the otherside to the first tarn then up the low saddle to the second tarn. Lots of snow, but plenty of open ground to keep out of the snow.

Worked my to the NW pass overlooking Rachel Lakes?. Lots of snow leading down to those lakes. No ax or good boots to make a go of it. Came back down to 2nd tarn and make by way up to the NE ridge overlooking Lake Kachess and Rachel lakes. One of the upper lakes still 100% covered. Back to camp and packed up to leave. Little over 3hrs to return. Great trip no bugs, yet!