Trip Reports

We made a day hike out of this one. Started at 11:15, was at the JCT by 12:00 and FlapJack by 14:00. The lake was too cold for a leisurely swim, by I was able to sprint to the islands for a few shots before horsefly's chased me off! We stumbled back down and were back at the base just after 18:00. Overall a decent hike. The trails were well maintained, though a little rocky in parts.

Flapjack Lakes

Some friends and I went up the trail Saturday. If you want to go take a day off now because the road to the trail closes Thursday until April or so.

We had a great day. Started about 9 am. Not a cloud in the blue strip of sky we could see between the tops of the big trees. We hustled the first flat 4 miles out the N. Fork of the Skok. Just before the intersection to the Flapjacks Lake trail there was a creek flowing just fast and deep enough to require some fancy footwork.

As we went up the Flpajack Lakes trail we found a similar creek crossing about a mile out. Another mile up is the steel brige at Madeline Ck. The bridge had been bent dramatically by a

tree last winter. A sign says to cross one at a time, which we did. The bridge is wet and slippery and steep down to the bend. Requires a little care. Loose rock and one down tree to straddle a mile above Madeline Ck. From there the trail is great up past the intersection with Smith Lake Trail and up to Flapjack Lakes. The 8 miles and 3000 gain took us 4 hours from the trailhead. The lakes are pretty and beginning to freeze. We found a sunny patch of shoreline for lunch - but it was chilly!

Gladys Divide

Trail is in good condition. Patchy snow began at 4300. Snow consistent above 4700 to Gladys Divide. about 6"" deep and soft enough to kick and plunge step. Poles are handy! Upper tarns on both sides of divide are frozen. The view at the Divide is great - over a small snowy basin. We did the 1.5 miles and 1150 gain in about one hour and ten. It took 45 minutes coming back.

After a short break at the lake we started back to the trailhead. It was about 3:40 and we wanted to get to the flat North Fork trail before sunset. We managed to descend the 4 miles by 5pm. All that was left was to swing down the broad trail back to the trailhead. The light faded as we walked. Owls began to hoot. The gloomy shadows were softened by a silvery light and the occasional glowing autumn-leaved maple. Spike Camp rolled by, then the Staircase rapids. Dusk turned to evening as we crossed the log bridge at the horse ford. Soon we were cruising the last long hill before the trailhead. As we crested the hill we could make out the trailhead sign and a few cars at last light. We got back at 7pm. 10 hours, 19 miles, 4400 gain. We did a few tired high fives and fell into the car, glad to be headed home. But we had to change a noisy dramatic flat on the drive out. That woke us up! BTW - if your car is making a funny noise stop and check it out sooner rather than later.

Picture link - http://picasaweb.google.com/oldwhiner/20071027GladysDivide

Trail clear to lakes. Trace of snow at lakes (4000'); ~6"" at pass (5000')but trail still easy to follow.

Flapjack Lakes Trail 114 out of Staircase is closed indefinitely due to a wildfire near Lake Cushman.

My daughter and I hiked up to Flapjack lakes on Thursday July 6, 2006 for an overnight backpack. The trail to Flapjack lakes was in very good shape and we were able to do the hike in 5 hours from Staircase trailhead (including lunch break). The lakes themselves had no snow and all campsites seem to be in good condition. The first few campsites to the left as you enter the lakes are recommended. There are various restoration projects going on and one needs to be careful to respect those areas. We had the lakes to ourselves the entire two days, which was a wonderful surprise.

The following morning we hiked up to Gladys Divide. There are two large downed trees crossing the trail from Flapjack lakes but nothing too problematic. Patchy snow existed from probably 4,200 feet or so until approximately one-quarter or a third of a mile below the divide. At that point the trail becomes completely snow covered. Despite the snow, we reached the divide in less than an hour from Flapjack lakes and the views were incredible! By the time we headed back it was mid-day, the snow was getting soft and I did break through twice. Fortunately the fall was only about waist deep. I would recommend a hiking pole or staff to check the snow going up to the divide.

Even with a forcast of rain I decided to try and get up to Flap Jack Lakes. I found the gate closed 1.2 miles from Staircase. After looking at the hillside and being surprised by little snow below 2500ft I decided to not drag the snowshoes along and instead just go as far as I could without them. I was happy to not take an ice ax, also.

The trail had a couple of small trees down before the turnoff to FlapJack Lakes at 5.2 miles (due to the road closure) Very little snow until I headed up the hill toward the lakes. Not far up there was a huge pile of trees and branches right at a switchback. No large trees just plenty of branches and such. A trail had been devoloped around it. There was at least one more of the same before the snow got too deep for me at about 2200 ft. I turned around just past the board walks. It had started drizzling and later became an all out rain. At one point the water was running down the trail pretty swiftly. People had made a side trail around that also. There were lots of branches and limbs a pruning saw would handle easily. It was a very plesant 13 mile trek that I would do again. I heard the coke bottle sound of the Grouse but neve saw them. If you want to reach the lakes however, take the snowshoes. The 1.2 walk on the rode was actually pretty nice too. There are lots of things to see that we usually drive right by, such as American dippers.

My mom and I left for the Flapjacks Friday afternoon. We stopped at Madeline Creek Friday night, deciding to do the harder part of the hike the next morning when it was cooler. The bugs were OK, & the campsite at Madeline Creek was very nice. The next morning was cool and the trail really steep! The hiking guide warns of the steepness but then goes on to say the last 3/4 mile from the Black & White/Flapjacks junction was even steeper, and we disagree. It was steep but the hardest part by far for us was the 2 miles between Madeline Creek and the junction with B&W Lakes.

Flapjacks were beautiful, and the 1.5 mile hike to Gladys Divide was hard but worth the trip. The bugs were not too bad until the sun started to set Saturday night, then the mosquitoes came out in force. I thought I only had a few bites on Sunday when I returned but by Monday am (as I type this) I am finding more & more! The deer at Flapjacks were very friendly, not afraid of us at all, and brought many deer flies with them.

All in all, a beautiful hike & perfect weather!

Just a short note to say that the bugs weren't too bad. Three of us met at the trailhead at 3:30p and reaching Flapjack lakes around 7:30p -- not too bad for beer-and-boat-laden out-of-shape hikers going 8 miles and 3000'. There are small trout aplenty in the lake, but it's hard to get a big enough one to eat; we caught a few little ones and released most of them.

The next day was cloudy and cool. We hiked up to Gladys divide/pass in the evening and the views near the top and over the other side are well worth it. There were very fresh bear tracks and scat on the trail up. There was also an otter sighting at the lake, which was pretty cool: It swam into view, maybe got a fish, climbed up onto a nearby island rock and wandered a little before slipping back into the water. There are also very agressive deer and chipmunks at the campgrounds -- watch your sweaty things and your food.

Day three, down and out. A good knee-pounding if you carry too much and go too fast. Beautiful bird (grouse, I think) displaying his throat on the trail down, just before the last switchbacks dropping you to the main Skokomish trail -- and heard grouse around there on the way up. Good trip.

Departed Renton at 0800 on Tuesday morning. Weather in Seattle/Tacoma was warm and sunny. Stopped off in Port Orchard for last minutes supplies. Arrived at Staircase Ranger Station at 1100, elevation approx. 800 feet. Gave ourselves a ""warm and fuzzy"" when we shelled out the cash for the a yearly Nat. Park Pass.

Flapjack Lakes listed at 3,850 ft. elevation so a 3000 ft. gain overall. Bumped into one other couple from Rhode Island also making hike to Flapjacks. Then we loaded up our packs (40+ lbs. for me and about 25 lbs. for the wife) and set out. There was light rain early on. The first four miles up to NF Skok/Flapjack Lakes junction is well covered as is the majority of the remaining 4 miles. Weather changed rapidly from drizzle to sunshine to broken clouds and back again. First four miles to Flapjack Lakes junction are pretty damp with the occasional mudholes, nothing that can't be easily handled by good hiking boots. Staircase Rapids loops still closed as the bridge remains washed out. Made the 4.0 miles to the trail junction in about 1.5 hours.

After the junction the trail gets much steeper and rockier. Last 3 miles or so of the trail is very well marked with orange/pink ribbons. Beautiful photo opps at both Madeline Creek and Donahue Creek. I personally think the falls on Donahue Creek rival those at Sol Duc any day. Thankfully, Donahue Creek/Flapjacks will never see the same kind of foot traffic. One small washout on the trail just below the junction to Black and White Lakes but the crossing is easy to see and manage.

Arrived at the lakes at about 1630 hours Tuesday night. Set up camp next to Upper Flapjack Lake. Very cold overcast conditions, I'm guessing probably 35-38 degrees overnight. Mt. Cruiser and Mt. Lincoln continually popping in and out of the clouds. No snow at Flapjack Lakes. Snow visible on lower slopes of Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Cruiser. Deer were out in force throughout the campsites. No ranger to be seen this outing. Did manage to spot one black bear in the avalanche meadow on the far side of Upper Flapjack Lake. Pit toilets are not well marked and were somewhat difficult to locate. Aforementioned couple arrived a couple of hours later and camped well away. We felt like we had the entire upper lake to ourselves. I, great backcountry adventurer that I am..., had a brain fart and forgot to clean my five year old MSR water pump. This made for a very long process with a half functioning pump. The thought of Potable Aqua tablets made me shudder and I pumped all the more furiously. Word to the wise, read the owners manual and you will save yourself the embarassment. My incredible display of backcountry knowledge made my wife laugh hysterically.

Agree with the previous report on this trail, ""trail past Black and White Lakes junction was very rocky and eroded - needs maintenance!"" Thankfully, upper section of the trail is off-limits to stock and rightfully so. Lower section of the trail was a mess! Early morning Wednesday we beat feet back to the Staircase ranger station. Appox 3.5 hours back. Past the NF Skok/Flapjack junction, we saw only 3 groups of 2 and all of them day hikers, 3000' of elevation gain and loss.

I've started conditioning for my Boundary Trail trip (trek 1, Mike Woodmansee's Trekking Washington book) with Brother John in mid July, so I wanted a good grunt and to toughen up the feet. A day trip to Gladys Divide did the trick. Snow became continuous at the 4900' level on the Gladys Divide Trail. It should be melted out to the divide in a week or two. The trail past the Black & White/Flapjack Lakes junction was very rocky and eroded (needs maintenance!) but beyond the lakes the trail was in terrific shape. The upper meadows of Gladys Divide Creek is still mostly snow covered but is melting out quickly. Near the 4900' level, it got down to 45 degrees and started raining, so I beat feet back to the Staircase ranger station. Past the NF Skok/Flapjack junction, I saw only 2 couples and the ranger and none on the Gladys divide trail. 7 hrs, 17 miles, 4100' of elevation gain and loss.

I just got back from flapjack lakes. There is no snow on the way to the lakes however there was a small patch on the far side of the lakes which is probably nearly gone now. We decided to treck up to the top of Gladys Divide and there was a fair amount of snow up there, (3 feet in places) but we still made it to the top without any difficulties. There were lots of dear around the lakes and up toward the divide. We swam briefly in the upper lake, and other swam farther but the water is very cold. There's a great campsite by the inflow stream.

We backpacked to the Flapjacks Lakes via the Skokomish River trail from the Staircase entrance to the Olympic National Park. After turning onto trail #114 to the Flapjacks, there were a few early season rough patches and blowdowns, but generally the trail was in good shape and easy to follow all the way to the lakes. There was little to no snow on the trail until arriving at the lakes. The lakes remained largely frozen over, with a ring of thaw around the edges during the afternoon. Significant snow patches remained in the shady areas at lake level. Several designated campsites were fully thawed out though - mostly on the southeastern bank. We spent the evening there in solitude, not seeing even one other visitor to the lakes during our stay. Just after dusk we were confused by a green flash we could see from inside of our tent, but had no idea it was a meteor event until we heard about it in the news after leaving the park. The trail from the Flapjacks up to Gladys Divide was intermittently covered in snow beginning about 300' above the lakes and building to a couple feet of snow above 4800' to the divide. However, several previous boot tracks and patches of thaw made it relatively easy to follow the trail to the divide. The snow pack was adequately compact to walk on, with only occasional post-holing to the shin or knee.

The weather was wonderful, and so were views of the sawtooth ridge and Mt. Lincoln from the lakes, and great close-up views of Mt. Cruiser from Gladys Divide. A great trip.

Hiked up to Flapjack Lakes from Staircase ranger station. The main trail along the Skokomish was crawling with people (it was a sunny Sunday afternoon.) However, once I left the main trail I did not see anyone until returning to the main trail the next day. Camped at flapjack lakes (all to myself) and hiked up to Mount Gladys for sunrise, which was amazing. Summary: no bugs, not too hot, and no other people on the trail... good reason to do those fall hikes.

I had a few hours to hike while I was waiting for 4 family bikers to ride Seattle to Portland. I had to turn around before I reached Flapjack Lakes as I didn't get started till 12:30 and I had to meet them in Centralia by 7 PM.

The first 4 miles along the river are mostly level and green. I reached the turnoff up to Flapjack in an hour & 20 minutes. Then the way steepened through the forest and slowed me down a little. It was a hot day. Madeline Creek was pretty. There was a bridge across and camping spots. I think I turned around not far from the junction to Black and White Lakes. On the way back the mosquitoes were out along the river. Trail generally in good condition. There were some rocky areas. I saw about 30 people, mostly in 2 noisy backpacking groups.

You turn off at Hoodsport and drive 16 miles on mostly paved road, (about 3 miles of gravel) to the end of Lake Cushman at the Staircase Ranger Station where there is parking. It's 15.6 miles round trip to Flapjack Lakes.

It was a hot climb from the N Fork Skokomish valley to the lakes with temperatures in the upper 80's but well worth it. We camped for two nights by the upper, shallower lake with a view of Sawtooth Ridge from our campsite. The middle day we hiked to Gladys Divide and to the top of Gladys Mountain, where Mounts Olympus, Anderson, and Deception are visible above myriad others. Snow started in earnest a couple hundred vertical feet below the divide. Afterwards, we swam in the lower, deeper lake (cold but above freezing). There was only one other party camped at the lakes while we were there (weekends are a different story, no doubt) and very few bugs.

Flapjack Lakes trail is melted out all the way to the lakes, but the way trail to Gladys Divide is very sketchy, with snow bridges. The view from the divide is primo, and the experience was punctuated by dramatic snowfalls from mighty Mt. Cruiser. One thing puzzles: the trail to the lakes is brutal, but the so-called ""way trail"" to the divide is gentlemanly, well graded and clear (or will be by mid July).

Flap Jack lakes. The trail had a few large trees that had fallen recently and a 20 foot area where a land slide had taken the trail out. The trail was clear of snow until about 3200 ft where it was patchy and at about 3600 ft there was enough snow to make the trail hard to find, but at that point you’re almost there and it is easy enough to follow the orange tabs. The land slide was at around 3100 ft after walking through it I notice that a trial was forming above the slide about 20 ft higher than the original trail. There were a few icy and slippery spots, but nothing a good hiking stick or ski poles couldn’t get you through. The lakes were mostly frozen and were covered in a beautiful hoar frost. The temperature was in the low 30s to high 20s. It was great winter hike and only one other party camped at the lakes.

Hiked Flapjack Lakes and Gladys Divide on the way to climb Mount Cruiser. The first 3.4 miles of the trail, where it meets with the the fork with the Skokomish River Trail, are excellent...in most places wide enough to walk two abreast, and very gradual in incline. You travel through the area of the 1985 Beaver Fire on this first leg.

The next 4.0 miles to Flapjack Lakes becomes steep. Passed Madeline Creek, then meet up with Donohue Creek to Flapjack Lakes. We camped at a riverside camp about 1/2 mile short of Flapjack Lakes, knowing that campground to be already full. The next day, proceeded to Flapjack, then the 1.4 miles to the approach to Mt. Cruiser. Weather was perfect.

Proceeded up a steep snow gully, bore left, climbing over a high ridge to approach the summit block. There are some hazardous areas along this route, and we had heard that someone had lost their life on a climb there the previous weekend. Upon our return to the trailhead a ranger told us that it had happened along this ridge on their return.

Decended to the bottom of the summit block. Dropped heavy packs and ascended to a chockstone about halfway up, where there is a good belay spot. Could not summit with one rope, had to stop at another belay spot short of the summit, where there are two new well-placed bolts for rappeling. The OMR book says this is a 5.5, the member of our team who led the first pitch estimated it to be more like a 5.7. Made the summit on second pitch. Found a bolt at the summit. Downclimbed to belay ledge and rapelled to first belay spot on chockstone. Downclimbed a short ways, through a chimney, from top of chokstone to another rappel spot, which made the decent much faster.

Decended using the same approach route. Decending along the bergschrund in the snow gully became difficult at times....may have been better to have crampons.

Views of Mt. Lincoln, Washington, Ellinor to the southeast were stunning, as with Olympus, Tom, and Anderson to the north. Got a little excitment just short of the summit with some thunder heard in the distance over Mt. Anderson, but it did not come toward Cruiser.

Note: Lots of small mosquitoes, especially at Gladys Pass and beyond.

LAST month me and my DAD TIM set out to goto flap jack lake. the First 4.0 miles is an easy flat hike made it in 1.3 hours then you hit the next 4.0 miles of straight non-stop up hill switch backs there's about 5 - 7 but there's no flat ground for the last four miles.

When you get the the last mile or so you have two monster switch backs the hardest section of the hike. but all this work is well paid in full when you get to the lake it is gourgous.

We were at the far camp site, camp site 4 or 9 (can't rember). you had a clear view of saw tooth ridge.(BRING LOTS OF MOS-REPPEL)

With the good weather hanging on, I thought I would try another solo backpack to the Olympics, this time to Flapjack Lakes.

The weather was a bit socked in when I arrived at Staircase, but warmish. I hiked 4 miles up the old road/trail on the North Fork Skokomish, which makes a nice walk in itself. After 1.5 hours, I arrived at the junction with the Flapjack Lakes Trail and the real workout for the day.

The trail starts out in cool forest, climbing a short series of switchbacks and then traversing upward towards Madeline Creek. Once past the creek, it really climbs. After awhile, the trail comes into sound range of Donahue Creek and eventually reaches the junction with the trail to Black and White Lakes (reputed to be very rough). The Flapjack trail then hits some more tight, steep switchbacks and is very rooty and rocky until almost reaching the lakes where it finally gentles out.

There are 10 campsites at the lakes, one a group site located on the opposite side of the lower lake. The Park Service only allows 30 people overnight in the area during high season, which just ended 9/30/01. There were only 11 people in the area, so the place was pretty quiet.

After setting up camp, I wandered around the lake, picking huckleberries and snapping photos of the lovely lakes. I would like to have climbed to Gladys Divide, another 1,000 feet or so, but decided to save the feet for the way out.

The trip out was uneventful, the weather great. I was pretty careful going down through the rocks and roots, since the trail was a bit dampish. Still I made great time out, about 4 hours to Staircase. It was a beautiful golden autumn weekend.

Happy trails!

I day hiked on a beautiful Sunday up to and back from Flapjack Lakes, which borders the NF Skokomish/Hamma Hamma ""Sawtooth Ridge"" in Olympic NP. The trail is in great shape with the exception of a detour about 2/3 mile before the Black & White Lakes trail junction. Patchy snow was encountered just beyond the B&W junction and became solid snow at the lakes, but it was pretty easy going - the snow was hard and there were lots of steps kicked in. It looked like there were at least 2 camp sites (one was occupied) melted out at the lakes. I flopped down and rested on the ismuth between the lakes and ate and watched as the ridge was creating its own weather - clouds were forming directly overhead. The view to the southwest was sunny and clear while the view to the northeast, towards the ridge, was overcast. I marched down to Staircase tired but satisfied, the entire 14+ mile trip taking 6 1/2 hours.

Overall the trail is clear with only a short (1/2 mile) section of snow at 3700 ft to the lake. There is a washout on the trail. An alternate route has been flagged. At the lake there is about 3-5 ft of snow and most of the lake is still frozen over. The area between the 2 lakes is mostly thawed and offer a great view of Linclon. We hiked with daypacks only and took about 4 hrs to get to the lake and about 3 to get back down

A hot day for a long hike. The trail is clear all the way to Flapjack Lakes.The reroute trail on the way needs some work. It is pretty rough and probably worse with a backpack. There is a tiny patch of snow on the way that won't last long. The view of the Sawtooths is great being framed with snow. Blowdowns and snow on the way to Gladys Divide. There are blowdown on the way to Black and White Lakes with snow at the lakes. The foundation of one cabin is melted out. A good dayhike to do both Black & White Lakes and Gladys Divide in the same day from Flapjack. Bring lots of water or the ability to treat water on hot days because it is a good sweat to the lakes.

Trail to Flapjack lakes is now snow free. Some camp sights at lakes are still snow covered. Trail to Gladys Divide is mostly snow covered and difficult to find. The Chute up to ""The Needle"" is in great glissading condition. Past the needle the climbing route to Mt. Cruiser, usually snow free by this time of year, still has snow blocking one area making for increased difficulty in that area. The summit of cruiser is snow free. Although this is a low grade climb (5.1), this one is not for the faint of heart with it's severe exposure over a several hundred foot drop.

Trail was fine, except the yellowjacket nest at about 6 miles. All campsites at lakes were snow free. There were a couple of patches of snow around the lakes on the north side. Started up the Gladys Divide trail, but turned back after ~.75 miles due to multiple blowdowns, lots of snow on the trail making travel difficult.

Continous snow starts two miles in on the Skokomish River Trail. At the junction with the Flapjack Lakes trail, the trail is easy to follow and snow is about 5' deep. The Flapjack Lakes trail is impossible to follow (due to deep snow and steep slopes). There is a good 15' or more of snow at the lakes, which have thawed at their inlets and outlets.

There has been a lot of avalanching on the NW side of Sawtooth Ridge, including a big one that took out about 20 trees just above the lakes. Huge glide cracks were also visible.

Views from Gladys Divide were superb.

The snowpack right now seems to be in about as bad a condition as it can get. It is deep, mushy, and rotten. Even with snowshoes on I punched through many times, twice up to my neck! I'd wait a few more weeks for the snow to thin out before doing this trip.

Final note: the bridge over the Skokomish River that is one mile in from the ranger station is out.

No snow at the lakes.The
trail to Mt Gladys is still snowbound from 4800' up to the pass. I spent two nights at the lakes followed a snow chute up the side of Mt Cruiser before heading back to Portland. The trip was worth it and the cloudy sometimes drippy weather kept the mosquitos to a minimum. Lots of berries to be had on the staircase trail and up to about 2500' on the trail to the lakes. Bears are enjoying the berries also and one bear left it's calling card just off the trail in the form of a debarked and freshly claw-marked tree. The meadows above Flapjack Lakes are not yet in bloom but look ready to launch in the next couple of weeks.

Since the other reports
below me have done such a good job of describing the profile of the trail to Flapjacks, I will only report on the current conditions. Snow! The trail is free of snow and pretty clear until the junction at Blk/Wht lakes. There are a few trees down, but nothing that is not impassable. The wooden plank bridges are still slippery in places, with everyone falling the exact same spot. The last half mile is almost pure snow, but do-able with just gaiters and loaded packs, the prints make it easy enough to find your way up. We slept on snow for the first time. The snow is about 4 feet in places with bare spots under trees, making it easy to cook and unpack. The lakes are beautiful but frozen over making exploring difficult. The fish aren't biting either. All in all a good trip. We heard an avalanche or slide on Sat. 16. We couldn't find the ranger on the way out, but Wagonwheel LK day register reports debris covering their trail. Bear precautions in all the area. We didn't see any signs, but that doesnt mean they aren't there. A good trip all in all- and a feeling of satisfaction when you reach the top. Oh yes, Mt Gladys and Blk/Wht are reported to be impassable d/t snow at this time.

Sunday 10/19/97 The weather
conditions were dry but overcast at 6:30am when we left Tacoma. By the time we arrived at the Staircase Trailhead(Hoodsport), the clouds had cleared and the sun was shining. We parked the car and started at 8:30am. The temperature was a bit cool, but not unpleasant. The first 4 miles are fairly flat, only going up about 500 feet total. The trail is very wide, heavily travelled and well maintained up to this point. After a short break at the trail junction, we started up the Flapjack Lakes main trail. The junction elevation is around 1500 feet and from there climbs steadily up to about 4000 feet in 4 more miles. The trail switchbacks with a steady climb up to Madeline Creek, which has a good campsite(2 miles from junction) and then meanders its way along. Careful while crossing the planks and bridges as they are moss covered and very slick. The trail is now clear of logs and in good shape (compared to February 97 conditions) There is one slide area that has had some work done on it, making it easier to cross. All in all, the trail is in good shape. A welcome sight was a new sign at the point where the trail splits off to either Black and White Lakes or Flapjack Lakes. This point was easy to miss during the summer and almost guaranteed to be missed during the winter. The last mile is quite steep and ends right at the lakes. Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Cruiser are the views with other hills, mountains and ridges in the distance. We arrived at the lake at about 12:15pm, ate lunch and started back down at about 1:10pm. We arrived back at the car at around 5:10pm There are fish in the lakes, for those interested. Overniters require a reservation due to a 30 person limit. The trail is in very good shape and winter trailfinding should be much less difficult, with the addition of the one sign. There was no snow at the lakes, but was some frost beside the lakes (in the shadows).