Snow Lake, Gem Lake

Had hiked Snow Lake trail w/ Brooklake group in Oct 2007 in rain and snow. No views then, had to come back on a clear day. Today fit that bill. A few cars already at Alpenthal parking lot even at 8:15 on a Wed. First part of trail is in woods with some open talus slopes. Some wildflowers (columbine, blue bells, beargrass, tigerlillies, etc.) but not a huge showing. At 1 1/2 mile a junction is reached with the Source Lake overlook trail. I took this .4 mile sidetrip. Well worth it. Trail essentially ends on rocky slope with a couple of streams and view of Source lake below. Lots of jagged peaks all around. If it hadn't been so early, I might have taken my lunch break there. Nice solitude. Upon returning to the Snow Lake trail I encountered a member of a WTA trail group that were working on the Source Lake trail. I chatted with the guy and found out that he had recently climbed the Tooth and was able to identify some of the surrounding peaks for me. The Snow Lake trail switchbacks up and then back down to Snow Lake. I spoke to a couple of women I had seen earlier. They were planning on going all the way to Wildcat Lakes. They were contemplating a side climb of Mount Wright. It sounded pretty ambitious but also intriguing. I hadn't planned on a Mt Wright climb but it seemed not far, or that high above, Gem Lake, according to my map. I stopped briefly at the ruins of the old cabin and continued on around Snow Lake towards Gem Lake. I continued on the trail which encircles the large Snow Lake. I saw a guy fishing out of a raft on Snow Lake. A fork with a trail coming up from the Middle Fork Snoqualmie is reached at about 3 miles. I continued up to Gem Lake on a trail that crosses a couple of outlet streams then switchbacks up. Upon reaching Gem Lake I noted a side trail near some campsites. I investigated and it turned out to be the climbers path to Mt Wright. Figuring you can't go wrong with Wright, I continued. A path is fairly noticeable most of the way, but peeters out at a couple of boulder fields. Keep going up and before you know it your on top! A cairn marks the summit. Beautiful panoramic views up there. Both lakes, the peaks west of the lakes, Glacier Peak, Snoqualmie Mt, Wildcat Lake, Mt Baker (barely), and many others. I enjoyed lunch on this spectacular perch. A lot of bugs on the trail today but didn't seem as bad at this summit. No biting flies or mosquitoes noted. Down climb, lost trail briefly but found it again. A couple of small snow patches crossed, otherwise clear. Went back down to Gem Lake and hiked to sign pointing to Wildcat Lakes. Decided to leave that for another day and turned around. Saw the two women again at Gem Lake. Told them where the path to Mt Wright summit was (I marked it with a small cairn). They decided to head to Wildcat Lakes and attempt Mt Wright on way back if time & energy left (I bet they didn't attempt Mt Wright summit but would be impressed if they did). Stopped to soak feet in Gem Lake. Later saw several campers swimming in Snow Lake (Lots of noise!) Encountered a hiker at the pass above Snow Lake that said he saw me (in my bright red shirt) on the Mt Wright summit from Gem Lake. What a great day to be out in this beautiful countryside. Midweek was a great day for this hike as I understand it gets crazy on the weekend. Only 2 wildlife sightings - 1 pika poked out from behind a rock, and 2 frogs at the lake.