I wanted to get back out to this area seeing how a couple of weeks back I tried this hike and was caught up in first major amount of snow this year and turned back just below Gem lake. The weather today was much better, started with some fog, then the sun came out to brighten things up. I was able to get Alex out on the trail with my dog (Pepper),Isiah and myself. It's been a couple of weeks since Alex put his boot to the trail but he came in with some gusto. The trail to snow lake saddle was well worn, no need for snow shoes till we dropped down to the lake. Once we got to the lake we crossed over the frozen lake to the far side and went up the hill side to Gem lake, climbing up thru the trees like Alpine Apes. We saw no other trace of anyone up this way or at Gem lake,only some rabbit prints.Gem lake was frozen over as well and the snow good for walking on. We made our way up Wright mountain and had lunch then went down the other side to follow the rim around the lake to meet up with our trail in. We did some sliding on our way out which saved some time. We had some fun and adventure along the way. We also lost an ice ax somewhere on the way out, if anyone sees it and wants to return drop me note. I'll see you on the mountain and you will know it's me when you here me howl!!! Gorillaz in the Mist.

We were fortunate to have the one sunny day this week to hike. We arrived at the TH at 9:30 am and only saw about 10 cars in the lot. Fall color on the 1st mile is very good. For some reason at higher elevation the fall color is just barely starting to appear. Some muddy areas on the lower part of the trail from Snow lake to Gem lake. All sorts of neat little hidden meadows and tarns on the way up. Gem lake is very pleasant. To ascend Wright Mtn, follow the main trail to the right (east side) of Gem lake. A Cairn marks a narrow path that ascends by a couple of camp sites then onto a saddle with nice tarns and views to peaks at the head of the Mid Fork Snoq river valley. The path alternates between easy to follow path and somewhat easy to follow talus with occasional cairns to mark the way. The view from the top is awesome and well worth the extra effort. RT 11mi and 2300 ft in with additional 300 ft out. A few non-biting flies and occasional mosquitos but overall pretty much bug free. A few small patches of 2 inch deep snow near the top of Wright Mtn (nothing like the report from Ingall's Lake from today where there is 10+ inches of snow). We only saw about 10 people all day on this sunny Thursday.

Snow Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the Cascades so I made sure not to go on Labor Day and to arrive at the trailhead no later than 7:30 am. WTA and other groups do annual maintenance and improvements to this trail and it shows. The logs are cleared, the brush is knocked back, drains are dug and cleared, and new steps and tread improvements are always being made. WTA in particular did a great job in August because another hiker I met said that in July the trail was a mess. There is even a new dual outhouse this year. Unfortunately the crowds on Labor day overflowed the dumpsters and left a lot of trash on the floor.

The trailhead is at the end of the Alpental road. It climbs immediately up a nice set of stairs and then gracefully crosses meadows and woods 1.5 miles to the junction with the Source Lake trail. To the right, it climbs up briskly up .5 miles through 9 switchbacks to a saddle overlooking Snow Lake. This section is pretty exposed to the sun and this afternoon it was 83F. Down at the lake are the remains of an old cabin and several camping spots.

On the eastern shore of Gem Lake is a boot track that benefits greatly from the clearing I did on it last year. However, now a very nasty clutter of blowdowns blocks the way requiring a little bushwhacking detour. From there it is a half mile to the summit of Wright Mountain following an intermittant track marked sometimes by cairns, sometimes by tread. The last 100' is a boulder scramble.

But it is worth it. The summit of Wright Mountain is bare talus with good sitting stones and 360 views. Baker, Glacier, Daniels, Hinman, Overcoat, Thompson, and Snoqualmie peaks are all in view. Then you turn around and see Kaleetan spiking the sky like a knife, and a glorious view back to Snow and Gem lakes. The whole Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River lies below all the way to Dutch Miller Gap. From trailhead to summit is about 5.75 miles, gaining with all the ups and downs about 3000 feet. A good workout, stunning views, and a good tread for the most part.

From the Snow Lake spillway to Gem Lake is 2 miles. There are some rocky sections but still the trail is in great shape. Some folks were going to camp at the lake and there are at least 3 very nice campsites. Others were pushing on and down to Lower Wildcat Lake which is a steep 2 miles and 1000' down from Gem Lake.

The forecast looked good, but the brush might be wet, so we picked a peak with minimal brush to travel through. We left the Snow lake trailhead early and saw few along the way going in. The trail had some frost and some mud holes but generally very good. We departed up a way-trail from Gem lake to the east side of Wright, through a cairn marked boulder field and up to the top. Once on top Don had to suit up for his summit photo before "anyone sees me". Photo link below.
Heading down the sun back-lit the landscape but the Fall foliage displayed very well. The traffic picked up considerable on the Snow lake shoreline going out. Many are taking advantage of the crisp, clear Fall weather when it is the best time to photograph the landscape or just to take in the beauty of autumn.
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