We started at the parking lot for the Taylor River Trail at 10:00 AM hoping to reach Snoqualmie Lake ~ 15 miles round trip. In .4 mile, took the right fork to Snoqualmie Lake. There were streams crossing the trail in several places prior to arriving at Otter Falls and Big Creek Falls at 5 miles. Had lunch viewing the beautiful Big Creek Falls in the sunshine. In ~.8 mile after Big Creek Falls, we followed signs left at the fork to Snoqualmie Lake for another 2 miles up hill. Crossed several more streams. All streams have rocks to step accross so it's possible to do the hike without getting your boots wet; however, the trail is muddy in many places. Approximately .2 mile before the lake, we encountered snow, but carefully picked our way forward and reached the lake. Trilliums are blooming all along the Snoqualmie Lake trail and there are a couple of spectacular waterfalls on the way to the lake.

This was a beautiful snowy hike, and this time of the year we had plenty of solitude. We had a party of 6 people and 2 dogs, and we didn't run into anyone else along the trail. We started at the parking lot for the Taylor River Rd by the gate. At the fork, we went to the right headed toward Snoqualmie Lake. We continued for maybe a mile or two before we stopped to turn around.

There was plenty of fresh snow from the previous day, and we got to make fresh tracks on most of the trail. Snow got a little deeper as we headed up the trail, but we were all fine with just hiking boots and no gaiters. Views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks and trees were amazing, and we even got plenty of blue sky today. The creek is a beautiful color blue and running very fast with all of the recent rain.

Middle Fork Road Conditions: This is the limiting factor for getting to this hike. The road is in great shape for the first few miles - getting to the parking area for Mailbox Peak and also Blowout Creek is achievable for any vehicle. Once you pass the sign for the National Forest boundary (and also a big yellow gate a little further down), be prepared for a very bumpy ride. You will definitely need 4 wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle. There were some very deep and frequent pot-holes that can't be avoided.
There were only 4 vehicles parked at the trailhead when we returned - and they were all 4WD trucks.
There was not too much snow / slush on the road. Maybe 2-3 inches in most places, but one spot about midway had up to 5 inches for less than a mile.

Snoqualmie Lake Trail Run
Video Here:
http://youtu.be/peoDwpuuYxQ

Nice consistent grade for running. The last 2 miles in steepen to a good trail that switchbacks through the forest and talus fields.

Very wet, but fun.

15+ miles, 2297 total vertical gain
3.5hrs car-to-car

The 7 mile trip (one way) is awesome. The first 5 miles follows the old logging road and is in fair shape. There are a few washouts and a few little creeks to rock hop across, but nothing unmanageable. At about 4.5 miles, you'll cross Big Creek Bridge; which offers a great view of Big Creek Falls. This large bridge is a reminder that this was once a very busy road. Also, be sure to enjoy it now, next year King County may toll it, or worse, remove it completely and put in a tunnel.
The trail continues another mile on the road, then turns up for a 2 mile climb to the lake. The climb isn't horrid by any means. Its a moderate 1200 feet, with most of that coming during the first mile. That first mile is currently sloppy messy and needs special attention as you traverse it. The final mile into the lake crosses a few 20 year old washouts. There's lots of sun in these areas and the vegetation is really taking advantage of it.
Arriving at Snoqualmie Lake, you will first see the waterfall before getting view of the lake. The fall is worth stopping and enjoying before moving on to the lake. The water felt good today. There were several people swimming as I soaked my feet.