The plan was to do a loop hike from Norway Pass TH, follow the Lakes Trail (#211) to the Coldwater Trail (#230) then follow that to the Boundry Trail (#1) back to Norway Pass and the trailhead. Day 1 was perfect, no one after Norway Pass, and only hoof prints on the Lakes Trail. Lakes Trail is a bit overgrown and some areas the trail is eroded so you don't want to step too close to the edge because there's nothing but air below. Saw plenty of elk; if you don't see them on this trail there's something wrong. Still a lot of flowers out but definitely past the prime time. Lupine mostly gone to seed, but pearly everlastings and fireweed out in full force. Lots of blueberries, huckleberries, salmon berries, and thimble berries along the way. Saw some berry-filled scat that I assumed was bear, but I've never seen a bear in this area (no bear warnings from the ranger station either). Camped at Panhandle Lake after an easy day of hiking.

Day 2, perfect temps for hiking and the fog/clouds cleared so there were endless views of the lakes, Goat Mountain, Rainier as you hike the ridge above Shovel Lake. I'm always so tempted to explore Mt Whittier Trail but was trying to make it to Ridge Camp on the Coldwater Trail so knew there was no time to do so. Ran into two photographers at Snow Lake, the only people I'd see in three days. After decending from Snow Lake the trail immediately became overgrown like I've never seen a trail in 25 years. Birch overwhelming the trail, thick and high thimbleberry bushes so dense you couldn't see your feet or the trail. I didn't even know I was on the trail except every 1/4 mile or so there was a small pink ribbon tied to a shrub. I was making very poor time because I had to step carefully and gingerly on every step never knowing what (besides shrubs) was below my boot. Then I came to a new washout with vertical sides and no boot prints and no markers. I got into the gully okay but fell trying to get up the other side and that sealed it, I was turning around and going back the way I came, kissing the loop idea goodbye. I even had trouble finding the trail once I climbed out of the gully; all the overgrowth looked the same and finding the way I had come was challenging. I finally, literally, stumbled upon the "trail" and within 10 minutes after turning around ran into the two photographers again. They said this indeed was the trail and it was much better than the one they had come in on that was lower in the valley. They offered to help me across the washout, but by then I was done and knew that following that trail for 2-3 more miles would have me arriving at a camp way too late for my comfort level. So they continued on, and I returned to Snow Lake and camped there, content with my decision and very, very happy my fall wasn't worse than it was. The scenery along this section of trail is phenomenal but with the terrible trail condition, I didn't take the time to look up and enjoy it!

Day 3, since I now had extra time, I decided to make it a short day and go only from Snow Lake to Obscurity Lake. I climbed up an elk trail above Snow Lake and overlooked Venus Lake, hiked the ridge to the next valley and found another herd of elk there. Continued onto Obscurity Lake and spent a wonderful afternoon sitting by the brook/stream, watching fish, doing Sudoku, and just enjoying the lake basin. The birch is so thick between the camp and the lake that you can no longer reach the lake without bushwacking through it all. Woke up in the middle of the night, saw a curious toad hopping next to the tent, and stood outside and enjoyed the Milky Way on the almost moonless night.

Day 4 hiked out to the trailhead, still no people until Norway Pass. More elk in the valley and hazy (smokey?) views of Rainier and Adams. The last mile before the car was very hot; the breeze never seems to hit this area.

Overall, I certainly cannot recommend the Lake Trail between Coldwater Trail and Snow Lake. It's very dangerous, and although it certainly needs more foot traffic, I'd not go until some serious trail maintenance is done. It'd be a shame to lose this trail to the birch and thickets but it's so overgrown now I can't imagine the work involved in clearing it out. Actually the birch (I say birch, I think it is but I'm not sure) is taking over a lot of this area, the trails, near the lakes, wherever there is a drop of moisture it is being very opportunistic. The Lakes Trail from Snow Lake and east, however, is so beautiful it should be considered a 'must do' if you like open space, no people, elk, lakes, and endless scenery.