It was sunny,clear and warm today and our group of 4 set out for a long hike. The plan was to hit both Wallace and Jay Lakes then take the connector to Wallace Falls. It would be a long day with 11 miles on the docket and would bring me up to 16 miles for the week after hiking Baker River last Sunday. When we arrived at the parking lot it may have been 20% full after 9am. I'm sure that will be a different story tomorrow being a weekend and the weather is supposed to be nicer. All in all the trails, lakes and viewpoints were not crowded but had people about.

Our group made good time to Wallace Lake where we took a break before moving on just a mile to Jay Lake where we stopped for lunch. Woody and Greg Ball trails are in great shape with nothing to report. The trail between the lakes had blowdowns and a couple feet of snow in places but nothing that can't be handled easily. The camp spot at Jay Lake is thawed out however. After returning to Wallace Lake we took the turn off to the make for the top of the falls but ended up back at Greg Ball Trail. I know where we missed our turn in hindsight but there was no sign to indicate where to make the last connection to the Upper Falls. There was a creek crossing and some more blowdowns early on this segment before we missed our turn.

After connecting back to Woody Trail we worked our way up to Lower and Middle Wallace Falls. The were full with the heat of the afternoon and the spring thaw just starting. If you plan on going this weekend, go early so you can find parking and maybe have a moment to yourselves. As always, Wallace Falls delivers and today was no exception.

Wallace Lake via longer DNR road route and back Gregs balls trail. Great day for Fellowship of the Trails. Got some good pictures. No trail issues. Just did Upper Fals a few weeks back, trail has dried out.

With the low snow levels and avalanche dangers in the I-90 corridor, set out for Wallace Falls State Park. This time I did a loop, seeing the falls and lake. Started out along the Woody Trail. Lower, Middle and Upper Falls were all roaring and beautiful. At Upper Falls, continued on to the upper grade DNR road -- trail was little hard to find at first, but just look for the blue diamonds on the trees. Once I picked up the trail it was a short walk to the DNR road. The first part had lots of blow downs. A sign at the trailhead said there were over 40 blowdowns which was about right but nothing too bad. About a mile later the snow started. Not too deep and no need for snowshoes or traction. From the lake took the Greg Ball trail until it ends at the old railroad grade. Took the railroad grade all the way back to the trailhead.

Because of the high avalanche danger, we decided to stay lower for our hike this weekend. No problems with avalanches...but we should have brought our snowshoes!

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