Trip Reports

The Kendall Peak Lakes trail is an easily accessible and safe snowshoe trek. On weekends, it gets very crowded. But on a weekday, I encountered only 5 other people--3 backcountry skiers and 2 snowboarders.

The logging road up toward the lakes is heavily traveled with grooves from skiers and snowshoers. Luckily, snow mobiles are not allowed on this road--they're further east over on Mt. Margaret.

Most people seem to stop at the hairpin turn at 3.5 miles or continue up the logging road. No one recently had taken the direct route to the lakes through the clear cut to the north. I had the pleasure of making a fresh track through about one foot of new snow over an icy crust.

Near the lower Kendall Lake I met a backcountry skier making a loop. I had the middle lake all to myself. With the current snow conditions it was too dangerous to go to the more wild upper lake which I've done when it was safer.

On the way down, I explored various logging roads and routes through the forest. This is a fine winter playground especially if you can get there during a weekday. It's a Sno Park area, so be sure to have a permit.

Finally!

Will it last? Probably not but with any luck any rain will be shortlived and consolidate a base.

Skied from the Gold Creek Trailhead (oh, no bathrooms yet). Good snow cover in general although the REAL MEN with the real all-terrain vehicles managed to mung up the beginning rather than doing it with human power. The ecology block barricade needs more snow as rocks on the upper side interfere with the crossing somewhat.

Snow increases to 5 - 8 inches or more as you head up the road and switchbacks. I met two skiers and dog within about 15 minutes as they were already heading down. I had to break trail on the upper 1/3 and finally ran out of steam on the last switchback that heads up just before Kendall Creek. Ate lunch, pulled off the skins and headed on down. My ski legs need a bit more control but the snow was nice. On the way down I met a snowshoer breaking his own trail (that's the spirit) and then two randonee folks and then one more skier. Had I not gotten too early a start I guess I could have made Kendall Lakes - oh, well.

Clouds were pretty opaque and then, of course, on the way down it started to break open.

Just some very snowy views - pre and post cloudiness.

If you forget your pass, the Chevron Station at North Bend Exit 31 has them including the groomed attachment.

Started early (8:30am) at the parking lot with just a few people there. Quick hike up the packed road (snowshoes not needed) till we went cross country up to the 3rd high lake. Little sketchy on the steep hillside traversing into the 3rd lake basin. Just make sure to stay right of the canyon slot where the lake outlet exits. Large drop-off there. HUGE number of people down at lower portion of road when we arrived back at the trail head around 1:30pm.

Our enthusiastic seven arrived at the west end of Gold Creek Snopark hoping the foggy conditions would lift. From the plowed parking area we snowshoed up the low snow bank to road 9090, crossing the picturesque stream to begin the day's adventure. Sure enough, as we gradually gained elevation along the switchbacks and offroad slopes, the fog lifted to reveal blue sky framing the glorious rugged peaks and wide open terrain. We encountered a skier with his young terrier who bounced joyfully to greet us, adding to the pleasure of this unexpected vista. We explored, and ate our lunch by the snow covered lakes, basking in the welcome sunshine. We reluctantly headed down through the fog again, and vowed to return soon.

Stats, about 7 miles round trip, 1700 gain, display SnoPark pass and enjoy !!

I started 2007 with my longest trip in three months. Injury, work, blah, blah, blah. Sick of excuses, I needed an outing. This short walk fit the bill. I was happy to be joined by Brent, Matt, Tom and Bryan.

Exit 54 and find parking on the north side. No one stirring at 7:30 am. A nice packed trail starts right out of the lot. We had snowshoes from the beginning, but could have walked quite a ways without them. We took note of many sidehills that would be packed with sledders later.

Just follow wide open, avalanche-free road. There are several shortcuts, which we used on the way down. Vews became scarcer as a freezing rain/ hail started falling. My jacket stiffened up, and I had to bust out an ice scraper for my glasses.

As the road end, a very obvious path heads northish toward the lakes. A small flat indicates the first lake. A few steep switchbacks took us to an overlook of the second lake. It was so perfect, we decided not to pursue the third lake, approximately 350' higher. There was a good track leading that way.

It was snowing hard. A quick lunch, some pictures, and an even quicker descent cutting off all the switchbacks. Plenty of snow protecting the trees and vegetation. Thanks for all the laughs guys!

6.5 miles R/T, 2000' gain, 4:45? car to car.

Kendall Peak Lakes is an easy and accessible snowshoe trip. Go on a weekday and avoid the crowds. I saw only 3 people today and had the lakes area entirely to myself.

The first 3 1/2 miles ascends on a forest road with a hard packed trail. I didn't put on snowshoes until tackling the last mile up the ridge and through forest to the lakes. On that section, there wasn't any obvious tracks so I made my own trail. To the middle lake from I-90 took about 21/2 hours. I've been to the beautiful upper lake a couple of times, but didn't feel like making that steep climb today.

The only distasteful part of the Kendall Peak Lakes trek is all the yellow snow and dog poop along the lower sections of the packed-out trail.

Note: parking at the trailhead requires a Sno-Park permit.

Snoqualmie Pass saw more than a foot and a half of new snow in the preceding two days. The snow level was down under 1000' and the avalanche danger was considerable above 4000'. Where to go? Kolleen, Bob, and I thought it over and settled on either Dirty Harry's Peak or Kendall Lakes. We met in Bellevue at the rather late hour of 8:15 AM and headed east. We turned off at Exit 38 and followed it around towards the trailhead for Dirty Harry's. The gate was locked adding a mile and a half round trip to that 11 mile trip. There was a little snow at that low elevation. We decided to fall back on Plan B. We headed up to Snoqualmie Pass.

This day started a little bizarrely. Just out of Issaquah and a little before Preston we passed a car going very slowly in the right lane. There were a few snowflakes coming down here. The road was completely bare. The slow car had chains on! Very strange. We had clear road all the way up and over the pass. There was a little snow at the Gold Creek Sno-Park. As we walked towards the start we passed a group getting ready to go. They had a dog in a pink sweater with dark booties. The dog seemed to be embarrassed as the colors obviously clashed.

Once on the way the route was well packed down. The sign at the summit read 27 degrees and it was cool but not overly cold. We started by carrying our snowshoes. The trench was packed but step a foot off to the side and one sank into several feet of unconsolidated snow. We made good time up the road. At least I thought so. When a view finally opened up we stopped for some photos. A minute later a lone snowshoer caught up and passed us. He was really moving.

The road finally turned away from the highway and up the valley. We soon began to posthole a little and it was time for the snowshoes. I usually use by short MSR shoes but with all the fresh snow I opted for my old Atlas 30s. The going continued to be pretty easy. At the ""T"" intersection we met two of the morning trail breakers. Another group of 4 or 5 were not far ahead now. The route switches back and climbs to the ridge top. Part way up we passed the next group. Now we were following only the lone snowshoer. He had short MSRs and was really working in the deep snow.

At the ridge top we met a duo who were heading down after camping on the ridge top the previous night. They had a great time. After a short break we headed up the ridge. Now we had just a single track and the going was a bit harder. As we climbed a group of two skiers went on by. We also now saw the lone snowshoer. If I had been breaking trail alone I would wait for the approaching help. This guy just kept plowing ahead. Even so, we soon caught up and gave him a well deserved rest.

The route climbed and we looked for a good spot to head over towards the lower lake. The snow was really soft and deep once off the ridge. We slogged along and down to the lower lake. There was no way to get over the outlet so we headed around the right side of the lake. In the open the snow was about waist deep in places. In the trees it was not as bad. we set a rising traverse uphill.

It was slow going. Greg the lone snowshoer had turned around at the lower lake. The skiers also stopped there. We were alone in breaking trail. With the trees so heavily flocked it was very beautiful. We climbed up into the clouds and now had a few spots of blue sky along with a little light snow falling. The wind was very gentle and it did not seem all that cold though it was.

At long last the terrain began to look familiar. A last climb and we leveled off and proceeded to the middle lake. There were no other tracks here. It was now past 12:30 and time for lunch. It took us about 3:15 to slog up about 4 1/4 miles, not blazing speed, but helped a lot by the early trail breakers. We were finally getting cold as we packed up for the descent. It must have taken us a good 30-40 minutes to climb from the lower to the middle lake. It took just under 10 minutes to follow our trench down. As we hiked over to the ridge road the sun began to come out...a little. The sun, clouds, and snow were very nice.

We made good time hiking down the ridge. At the ridge top intersection we chose to go straight towards the viewpoint on the knob. A trench was now packed all the way out. At the viewpoint we met two skiers. It was now clear enough to see Lake Keechelus and all the ski areas across the valley. The hike down was pretty easy as the trench was now very well packed down. We did not see huge crowds but did pass a steady stream of folks still coming up. There was a larger than usual representation of skiers this day.

Down near the bottom were the usual number of sledders. This is the most dangerous part of the trip as they come shooting down at you with no warning. We made it down with more than an hour of daylight left. This proved to be a very good choice this day. We were on snow the whole day but only had to cut trail for about a mile. The heavily flocked trees looked terrific. The middle lake was deserted and had plenty of solitude. After two snowshoe trips where we failed to reach our destination it was nice to have some success again. It was just plain nice to be out on the snow.

35 photos have been posted at: http://www.hikingnorthwest.com. Go to ""Trips-2006"" on the left margin.

It was a gorgeous day on the road/trail to Kendall Peak Lakes. As of Saturday afternooon there was a good trench all the way to the middle lake....deep,soft snow off trail.

Day after Thanksgiving and lots of snow. I-90 driving was fine with some slush and icy spots but better than found by those unfortunate gentlemen who were hit by the tree east of the pass.

Lots of snow. The Gold Creek parking area was not prepared for Sno-Parking. There were no outhouses and the road had not been plowed. The WSDOT plower came through to help out stranded snowmobilers who had driven toward Mt Margaret but could not turn around and got trapped. But he was not keen on my parking. I did anyway!

A snowshoer was just getting started when I arrived. Finally, settled my car and took off. The snow was ankle deep (and deeper higher).

I tried my own track but it would have been a very short, very tiring day. So I used the snowshoe track. About 10 minutes up, a x-country skier was already coming down. He said it was SOFT.

Kepting going and had an ""oh, no"" moment when I saw the snowshoer and his dog sitting down. Fortunately, there was apparently another showshoer and I followed the track but within 5 minutes I met him, saying ""it was too deep and like molasses."" I followed his tracks and then started breaking only to be quickly and happily overtaken by the original snowshoer who offered to break. We stuck together for much of the way up to the switchback where Kendall Creek (the lake outlet, in any event) comes across the road. I broke occasionally and he did most of the work. I broke that last switchback and about 3/4 way up that switchback my thighs said ""enough.""

It snowed all day but was not windy. Snow was mid-calf to knee deep.

Down in my ski tracks was pretty controlled. But I finally met a some up skiers (about 4) and more snowshoers and the track was wide and bumpy and fast and more uncontrolled (I use wax skis). I used an outrigger ski to cruise on down.

Highway was fine on the way back to Seattle.

First time on this trail. It was just like the reports said. Easy to follow logging road to within 1 mile of the lakes. We started at about 4:00 p.m. on friday. Got to the first lake and set up camp. I was excited to try out my new tent, and it did noot disapoint me. Woke up to a 7 degree reading on my weather station and made some food before we headed out to climb up Kendall. We just followed the west ridge to get to the summit. It was very windy and cold at the top so we didn't stay to long. It was also very clear and beautiful so I took a few pictures. Ont the way down just before the flats we ran into the crowds. Lots of families playing in the hard frozen snow. Only a few people made it up to the lake though. Good hike and workout. Perfect place to bring beginer snowshoers even though you could make it to the lakes without them, just don't get off the trail.

In one word: Fantastic!

What a day this past Sunday! Above us the sky was totally clear. Below us an amazing sea of clouds at around the 4000ft level. To the south was Rainier, bigger than ever, and to the North our goal for the day: Kendall Peak.

The snow was packed up to around 4000ft, from where it got softer, but still very comfortable for snowshoeing. The trail was also very easy to follow. You can keep on the summer trail up to a very opened area by some waterfalls, from where the winter express route will take you directly to the peak, very steeply at times.

The winter route will later split as well, with the left fork going to the Kendall Catwalk, maybe a wiser choice if you aren't okay with the steep route from there to the summit. However, after a short break we decided to tag the summit first and perhaps the Catwalk on the way down.

We fought with the steep snow for about one hour until we got to the ridge below the summit, from where we got the first views from the other side. Amazing! Erik decided to stay at the ridge while I went for the last bit - a steep snow patch followed by an easy rock scramble to the summit.

The summit was a blast! I soaked up the panorama views, took a bunch of pictures (which combined made up the panorama image attached) and called my parents in Brazil to describe what a blessed day I was having!

Back to the ridge, we had lunch and went for an awesome time glissading to the junction with the Catwalk trail, from where we decided that we had had enough and just walked back to the car until 4:30pm.

After arriving at the car (which by the way was parked at Snoqualmie Pass since the short side road to the trailhead had too much snow), it was hard to believe that such a beautiful world was hidden above all those clouds covering the pass!

More pictures at http://spaces.msn.com/members/carlosp/.

A last minute choice between SnoParks led to Kendall Peak lakes.

Arriving at the SnoPark there is only slush and mud until the concrete blocks. The road is rough with deep potholes up towards the blocks but driveable. After the blocks the snow is better, though you can make it fairly far up the road in just boots.

Followed a cross country ski track until after the first switch back where the skier apparently turned around. We continued on, breaking fresh trail most of the way. A group of students came up fast behind us and broke trail for a bit before turning around at the junction between the lakes and the ridge road. The rain never let up the entire trip and the snow became progressively more sloppy and waterlogged.

Eventually made it to the lower lake and after postholing up to my waist several times decided to call it good. Some sort of animal was out on the slushy lake surface apparenly diving into the water. It looked like either a marmot or some type of weasel, was unable to photograph it from the distance.

Sped back down to the car and its heater, getting wetter and colder the entire way. More trip photos: http://www.pbase.com/billcat/hiking

I would have preferred doing something different but the rock fall limitations along I-90 and the pass camera's images on Friday afternoon showing backups at Hyak led to reality. Although this was the middle of a 3-day weekend I could not deal with possible 2-3 hour or even one hour traffic jams outside of rush hour commuting. I figured Stevens Pass would be slow going, too. So Hyak/Gold Creek exit was a perfect easternmost destination. You get off before the work zone and get on before it.

Much better snow than last week. Deeper and lighter. I was car 4. As it turned out, only three other skiers, two snowshoers and a guy booting it from footprint appearances. With broken trail it was too easy to catch the leaders (two skiers turned around quickly) other than the booter. Then the other skier caught me after his brief break and we took turns breaking. The booter apparently finally donned snowshoes quite a way up and he took an early right on an old spur. The other guy and I continued straight on the road till just shy of the Kendall Creek switchback and turned on it. At its top, we finally encountered the booter/showshoer. He wanted to hit Kendall Lakes but was not sure of the direction. I pointed it out and the other skier and I took off in that direction. The snowshoer really moved. He caught us, passed us and moved away. Up and around some curves he had stopped. I directed him again toward the lakes' basin.

He headed off, the other skier kept to the road and I followed the snowshoer to lake 1. I had to stem across a creek he jumped. On the way to the second lake we diverged as I could not stem a wider jump he took. I made my own way up to lake 2 over a few inches of snow over crusty snow in the trees. We met again at the lake and he was going to explore lake 3 or a route and I stopped for lunch. I then circumnavigated the lake. Headed down my tracks. It was fairly fast on the road as it had been packed by a number of additional snowshoers and some skiers. Both lakes were snow covered by water still showed through.

Oh, along I-90 on the way up I saw two elk butting heads about 25 feet off the freeway. Never saw elk in this location before. Actually, have not seen all that many in any location outside of Olympic National Park.

Mistake - no camera. The sun made a few brief appearances at the lakes.

Good day. No traffic.

I marked ""snow on trail"" which, of course, was the whole idea behind today's trip. Finding and hopefully, using snow while on skis.

I purchased a Snow_Park yesterday but it was not needed at the Gold Creek Parking area since I followed another vehicle's tracks up the road to where large concrete blocks block access up the road - thankfully. In years past, this early season ski trip is over about a mile or more of very rutted driven tracks up the road. The two-tier high ecology-like blocks make that pretty impossible. The folks who were there were just walking in the snow past the blocks. I had the route/road to myself for a few hours.

It was definitely thigh-burning for the first trip of the season - heavy, dense, wet snow. Thin at first, but slowly getting to at least a foot deep further up the road. Some shrubs overhang in about 3 places and there were thinner areas where care (read more below) is necessary.

I finally decided to quit and eat lunch just shy of where Kendall Lakes stream crosses the road. There was one brief, very brief, sunny break but otherwise mostly foggy. Just as I completed eating and was going to head down, another guy on skis and his dog caught me. RELIEF for trailbreaking at last.

He took over and I decided to continue up. He had to stop a number of times to clean snow from the poor pooches legs, tail and belly. It really clumped badly. We tried getting the dog behind me to allow it to walk in a double-broken track but it still got too snowy. Finally, I guess they both gave up since I continued nearly to the area where the road hits a landing plateau off to the right and never saw them again.

Down was a trip - the ski legs WEREN'T. The dogs holes and the relatively ungroomed trail was bumpy and bouncy. Slowly got to feeling a bit more comfortable and having fun down.

Got to within about 1/2 mile of the car and the skis stalled on some rock/gravel and I went down hard on a hip (it is definitely bruised) on about 1 inch of snow. BAMMMMMM!

Finished up. And found about an inch or more of new snow on the car.

Interesting first day.

Fog and tracks.....

We were so surprised to be able to even find the PCT in February; hiking in was quite easy with some use of crampons needed on the ice for the first 2-3 miles. We broke out in the sunshine and there was Kendal Peak beckoning us. Antonia insisted she knew the route up, she didn’t. We made our own way up the south face, scrambling away through a small gully lined with trees, only to find talus for the next 200 feet or so. After negotiating this, the goal (peak) was in sight with only another 75 steep feet to go. Antonia in her sweetest voice said, “Hans, would you go up and see how it looks?” Foolishly I did this not realizing till I was at the top that I’d been suckered in! Once there I told Antonia the view was stupendous just to lure her up this same break neck path I’d just taken. All in all an incredible scramble on a beautiful day in February. We’d both suggest however that you consult Becky’s guide prior to scrambling up Kendal via the south!!

Looking for nearby snow, I decided on the hike to Kendall Peak Lakes, trip #52 in Nelson's Snowshoe Routes. Most of the trip is an easy and fairly pleasant hike up a heavily used logging road that is closed to motorized vehicles. The snow was fairly thin to about the 4000 foot level, but above reached depths of 1- 2 feet. I put on my snowshoes for the last part of the hike where you leave the logging road and head through the forest to the lakes. The two lower lakes are easy to get to. The upper lake which is very beautiful is a steep climb through forest. For those not interested in the additional effort, the middle lake makes a very pleasant turn around point.

I wasn't sure quite what to expect weather wise, so I chose something that was both convenient and safe. I left the snow park at Hyak under much warmer than expected conditions. The road is well packed and smooth sailing. I really didn't have any goal for the day other than to find some nice untracked snow. I made good time until around 3300ft where I changed to snowshoes. The qoing was still quite easy. After I reached the turn-off that goes Kendall Peak Lakes I continued right on the road until I reached an open area at around 4400ft. The road continues south here. I stopped when the wind and blowing snow made it miserable for me and the deeper untracked snow thwarted the Beagle. I made great time on the way done even faster in the areas with SW exposure where there wasn't anything to stop the strong gusty winds and stinging snowfall. Soon I was back the truck where I was dismayed to find a $52 parking ticket.

I awoke this morning with much more pleasant weather than expected. I had expected heavy rain with low snow levels. I arrived at the Hyak Sno-park with some sun and very warm temps. I didn't even wear a coat for this trip. I started up the road which sees heavy use so there wasn't a need to break trail. As I neared 4000ft there was quite a bit of new heavy wet snow, forcing me to now break trail. I continued on breaking trail until the just before the road crosses Kendall Creek. I stopped when my footprints were deeper than my Beagle is tall. I felt it wasn't quite fair for the little guy, but he didn't appear to mind. On the way down I passed a few groups who were also taking advantage of the break in the weather.

Made this trip with my friend, Ari. Started off with high clouds in the morning, but things got socked in shortly after we left the Gold Creek Sno-Park and started up the logging road. Snowshoes weren't needed for the first two miles or so, as this route seems to get a lot of traffic and the snow was well packed. After about 3-4 miles (I think) we left the road and made our way to the top of the ridge and walked level country for several hundred yards to an opening in the trees. This clearing could have been where the first lake is, but I'm not sure. A creek definitely runs through the area - under 7-8 feet of snow! We continued to follow snowshoe tracks through the woods for 5-10 minutes until we came to a lake basin under Kendall Peak - which was only partially visible through the thick clouds. Here we sat and ate until we got too cold for comfort. On the way back, the weather got pretty rough and our tracks (left an hour earlier) we pretty much lost beneath blown snow. We managed to make our way back down to the road and away from the wind. It was a quick descent back to the car. Nice trip. Watch out for a couple of avalance slopes - one over the road, and one that comes into view (but that you don't walk directly past) near the lake. I found the climb from the road to the ridgetop worth some consideration (or concern) as well. I think the whole walk was about 9 miles, and gains about 1300-1500 feet. Though I'm not really sure of that. I am sure that it took us 3 hours to get to the lake and 2 hours to come back down. I'm also sure that I'd like to visit again - maybe when there is a big view or two to look at.

Hey, Type E, thanks for the laugh and the info.

Today, without dogs, my trip probably went better (G)

Actually, I walked on the road quite a distance (to where you can go up or down on the road near the creek crossing). At that point, snowshoes were necessary. I made it into the second lake.

It was a glorious day up there and being early had most of the place to myself. A couple caught me as I was putting on the snowshoes. But they went their way and I headed off to the lakes.

On the way down, there were lots of people and lots of dogs (who seem to stay on the road altho, occasionally one has to avoid their leavings).

I wish the skiers luck - the conditions were going to be difficult - from heavy sludge to frozen bumpy hardpack to narrow snowshoe track. While as as skier, I avoided using the ski tracks that were already set, apparently others did not so that those tracks were gone when I headed down.

Dear Snowshoers: Please break your own trail and please do not mess up the ski tracks. It is much easier skiing down to be in a set track that is broken and smoothed by skis. Thanks for listening.

We need new snow but it was a great day anyway.

Today was a day were I should have just stayed home. I left home with warm and heavy rains, I was sure I could make it to the Hyak snow park without too much difficulty. When I reached the snow park there were at least 20 cars parked, so I had to go a quarter mile and turn around. Much to my dismay the truck didn't take to the slushy road and I was stuck sideways in the middle of the road. Lucky for me someone hooked a tie strap to my front end and managed to get me turned around. My first instinct was to just go home not wanting to get stuck again. I noticed that there was ample parking underneath the overpass and the road was free of snow, so I parked. I mostly climb during the week so I was a little unprepared for the sheer amount of people along the way. About 20 minutes in I noticed that Baxter had shed his sweater, so I had to descend about 5 minutes to retieve it. I then returned to the climb until about 20 minutes later when I realized that somewhere along the way I had lost Baxter. Last week I lost the other dog Tanner, so this was something I really didn't want to go through again. I dropped about 5 minutes to point where Tanner was waiting. I could see tracks that left the road and where Baxter couldn't make it back up to the road. I was now faced with tracking my dog through the snow. Baxter is small and light enough to weave his way among the heavy brush that lines the logging road. I however, am not I had much difficulty in following in his footsteps. After floundering in chest deep snow for about 10 minutes I noticed a couple who were on the road and asked them to keep an eye out for the beagle. Lucky for me, they noticed Baxter just making it out onto the road. I then tried to make my way the 30 or so feet to regain the road. Every step I sunk until the snow was at eye level, I was forced to crawl the remaining distance. My heart was now not beating it was just a straight tone. I am sure the couple was amused with my escapades. To make things worse Baxter was so scared that he wouldn't come and would run away any time I made move in his direction. I prodded Tanner ahead until he made contact with Baxter and finally they both returned. Not wanting to tempt fate any further I returned to the truck and made my way home.

The weather man had predited a nice day.....but it turned out to be cloudy. But super K and decided to take a snow shoe route to Kendall Peaks Lakes. The route from the snow park follows FS road 9090 for 3 1/2 miles to a hair pin turn and the (real) trail head. Because the snow was deep and soft, we decided to follow the road rather than break trail through forest to the lake. Although it isn't correctly shown on Green Trais Map, it is possible to follow the road to within 1/4 mile of the Lakes....then drop down into the basin for a nice view of Kendall Peak behind the snow covered Lake.

Bring snow shoes....the snows are falling.

Driving up on I-90 it was snowing at the summit but as I started up the Kendall Peak Rd. the weather cleared and gave way to some fairly sunny weather. The road is well traveled and there was little new snow. I stayed on the road all the way until the Kendall Peak trailhead I continued right and followed the road until it end at PT. 4251. I stayed for a few moments and descended the more direct SW route.

Trip stats: Approx 7.5 miles Total Gain 1740 Ft Time 1:17 up 1:00 down

Actually, it was more like Just a hiker for a long distance.

Expecting the road up to the ""junction"" for Kendall Lakes to be a non-pleasant ski, I took snowshoes. But the road was as packed and frozen crust in the morning that booting it up to the lake junction was the method of choice.

It was an absolutely wonderful outdoor day even if ski conditions are below par. Sun with some high clouds and very effective thin veils of fog or mist moving loosely around. At the junction the work began but others did a lot of it. There was a Mountaineers party and a few of them broke trail up to the next tier and the road that heads off to the lower Kendal Lake. They kept going up the slopes and I junctioned off to the left and to the lake. Met a couple up there. I started venturing to the second lake and they followed and took over breaking.

They turned around and I went halfway around for the sunshine. Ate lunch and turned around whereupon I met the Mountaineers finally back on route to the second lake.

The trip down was uneventful and the road well-packed. Some fourwheeler pushed the tread ruts even further than they had been in the morning. I was making better time than the cautious skiers demonstrating that I made the right decision about leaving the skis home and keeping hamstrings, thighs and other muscles from being snapped after planting a tip into heavy crud!

GREAT, GREAT day.

I have been trying to get out for a snow trip for weeks. I finally found the time. With the snow so spotty I left the skis at home and brought along my snowshoes. Kendall Peak Lakes is a trip that starts out from a Sno-Park and quickly gains elevation. I hoped to get up into enough snow to warrant using the snowshoes. One of the nice things about Winter is that a moderately late start is still earlier than most. I reached the Gold Creek Sno-Park at the crack of 9:00 am and was the third car to arrive. I need to vent a little steam first. There is no gate at the bridge where snow usually blocks the route. In the morning there was about 6"" of snow on the ground but the route was smashed down into a few inches of ice by vehicles. At about 1/3 mile is an unlocked gate. The tire ruts beyond the gate are a foot deep. The ruts continue on for about 2 miles. Just beyond the last switchback they end. Without the ruts the road would be good for ski and snowshoe travel. With them it's a chore for 2 miles. It will take several feet of snow to make the first mile easy to travel on now. While I would not try to ski the first 1 1/2 miles it is not too bad to snowshoe.

Beyond the first 1 1/2 miles the going is OK and rapidly improves. Past the 2 mile mark it looks like winter. The trees were freshly flocked and fresh snow replaced compact ice along the route. There were fairly fresh snowshoe tracks although the compacted rut became smaller as more shoers likely turned around. By the time I reached the ""T"" where the road either turns right and climbs the ridge or drops to the left, the conditions were outstanding. This point is reached in about 3 miles. All the previous tracks turned right but I had planned on going left. I dropped down a short way and then left the road going up the hillside. The snow is not yet as deep as I usually see it here and has not compacted much. My route went through many small trees which are buried most of the Winter. I tried to avoid the tree wells but sank in many times. The distance to the first lake is not far but I was making slow progress as I slogged through the soft snow. The only tracks I saw for the next hour made by animals. I saw no human tracks at the first lake or the second. Snowshoeing through fresh snow so close to Snoqualmie Pass is a real treat. At the middle lake I stopped for lunch. It was about 30 degrees with no wind. The lakes are completely snow covered.

After lunch I crossed the outlet and headed down to the first lake. From there I headed southeast to pick up the continuation of the road I followed for the first 3 miles. The short distance from the lower lake to the road saw me sink below my waist a number of times. Getting out of the deepest holes was a real chore. Once on the road the footing was firm again. A number of people ascended the road to this point but did not go over to the lakes. Hiking down the road was easy and afforded good views of Kendall Peak and the ski areas across the highway. Unfortunately, the low clouds blocked any longer views. After the low spot on the ridge, the route climbs a short way to a nice viewpoint. Up to this point I had seen 3 people early and none for the last several hours. A snack and some photos and I was ready to head on down. After dropping down off the ridge I met 2 snowshoers coming up. The last mile was filled with hikers, snowshoers, and 2 very brave skiers. The icy ruts could not be skied without skins so they were confined to tiny areas between the ruts and along the edges. When I reached the unlocked gate I was surprised to see 3 vehicles parked there. The last 1/3 mile was no longer 3"" of packed down ice, it was now churned up ice and mud. It's going to take a few feet of snow to make the lower section skiable. In summary, I'm very disappointed to see that Sno-Park fees are being collected but vehicles are not being kept off the snow. Still, once I was above the damage the snow conditions were great. It's nice to get to a popular place and not see any signs of other people.

Photos have been posted at http://www.kuresman.com. Look under ""Trips 2002"" on the left margin.

Not much to add to previous recent reports -- I climbed up along the ridge above the lakes until the views were sufficiently panoramic :). Good solid step-kicking snow, though on the sun-exposed slopes the snow was softening quickly. Noticed quite a bit of faceting in the snowpack above the rain crust from last week... also plenty of evidence of wet loose slides on the open slopes N of the lakes.

Very springlike conditions all around. Never had to put on snowshoes. Perfect weather!

Walked the road from the Gold Creek Parking lot till the creek coming out of Kendall Lakes. Donned the snowshoes at that point only because we had them. Altho, as we climbed up the ridge east of the creek the snow did get a bit softer and another party stopped to put theirs on, too.

What can I say, the sun was glorious, the 3 of us had been to the lakes before and there was no reason to abandon our view of Mt Rainier, its lenticular and the sunshine for lakes hidden in the pockets below the ridge. We sat down, ate lunch and soaked in the glory of a not so hot skiing day (G)

We then proceeded a bit further up the ridge for views over to Rampart Ridge and Alta. Headed indirectly down to the road higher than we had left it and snowshoed down about halfway and then walked on a very solid snowy road.

It was a GRAND DAY.

This is a very popular (crowded on weekends) trip from the Gold Creek Snopark just east of Snoqualmie Pass. While opposed to the concept of snopark permits, I was taking a beginning snowshoer, so stopped to see Mr. Ranger. But nobody waas there, nor does the rest stop store sell permits. So to heck with rules, I parked anyway. We slogged up the trail to where the road takes a left horseshoe turn, then headed right up the ridge. Now the heavily beaten path changed to untrampled snow in and amongst the trees. We had a grand time going up some pretty steep and icy snow, due to recent rains. There was a couple inches of nice powder on top. My companion soon took to snowshoes like a marmot to dozing and we made short time of the ascent to the lakes. Due to perfect weather (not a cloud to be seen) we were forced to hang out at the middle lake for an hour to enjoy the sun and brew up some cocoa. On the way down we enjoyed several fun glissades on a few more inches of powder. One particular run had to be repeated 3 times. It just had to be done I s'pose! We timed it perfectly, getting back to the parking area at dark, with a gorgeous full moon over Rampart Ridge and Mt Margaret. No ticket for illegal parking -- thus a perfectly grand time for all.

First ski trip of season! Went up to second Kendall lake from Gold Creek SnoPark. Light snow when we started. Yesterday it was raining. Many snowshoers had broken the trail. Had tea at the viewpoint then headed over to lakes. 5or6' of snow at top. Telemarked the direct from lake to road and emerged into sun. Very crowed at the bottom. Wonderful start to season.

It goes without saying that there was snow on the trail or in this case ROAD. It is a road ski. The conditions were actually much nicer snow than I had expected. Unfortunately, we need more trail ettiquette. The nice ski tracks were totally obliterated by snow shoe folks. So breaking trail up really accomplished nothing since the snow shoers fully packed down the snow which led to a weaving downhill descent as opposed to a control in-track descent.

Seems this may be the first ski report of the season.

Everyone ENJOY winter. It will be here for a while even when sunny.

And my suggestion: If you snow shoe, please, I know it takes more effort to break your own trail but please do not use a cross-country ski track for your route. Just create a nice parallel snow shoe track. Thanks, awfully.

The trail is packed down so snowshoes are not needed until leaving the road. Both the Lower and Middle Kendall Peak Lakes are frozen over so it's a good guess that Upper is too. There is eight feet of snow at the lower lake and ten feet at the upper. Lots of people and doglets on this fine sunny day. Watch for poo (didn't see Mr. Hankey though).

It was time to test out new snowshoes from Santa. Bob Kuntz and his friend Matt Joined me in a hike at Snoqualmie Pass. Reportedly, the wind was gusting to 60 mph in North Bend, but fortunately it was calm at the pass. We took Exit #53 from Interstate 90, turned north and followed the road about .5 miles. Cars lined the north side of the road, but there was space for us. The hike started at 1,950 feet elevation in a forest of fir and hemlock. Soon it broke out into bright sunlight along Coal Creek, a half mile east of the Pacific Crest Trail. We hiked north following the west side of Coal Creek, which drains from the lower of the twin Kendall Peak Lakes into Lake Keechelus. Before reaching the lakes, we turned west, and not following any trail, ascended to about 4,265 feet. To the south we looked down the length of Lake Keechelus. We talked about the early years of the pass when cars were ferried down the lake before the road was completed. In the opposite direction majestic Guye Peak was on display. And of course, the busy ski resorts were visible on the other side of I-90. We continued to circle left, looping back to the car. We saw no other people except at great distances from us. Surprising, for such a beautiful Sunday, and in light of the numerous parked cars in the area. Snow conditions varied from crunchy to soft powder. The terrain also varied enough to give the 'shoes a successful test. A sense of peace, beauty and exhilaration surged through me during the hike. I have become hooked on winter hiking!

Took the traditional Super Bowl ski trip. The route was well packed out and fewer people were seen than usual. Beautiful conditions until about 1:30 when high clouds moved in. Made it up to second lake and telemarked down to road. There was about 50% skiers 50% snowshoes a couple of whom had boards for the ride down.This could be a good short overnight also. The slope to third lake looked kinda dicy.

On Saturday I skied to Kendall Nob, Kendall lake and ""second nob"" on a 4 hour ramble. The snow was excellent, but the crowds were out in a big way. Snowshoes outnumbered skis 3:1. Enjoyed lunch with a broken fog view with 20 other people from Kendall Nob. The ski over to the Lake was uneventful. The lake was quiet with some new snow coming down. I attempted to telemark down the glade below the lake, but the new snow held my speed down significantly. I decided to go for it on the ""second nob"". Put the skins on and motored to the top. It was quite a rush up there, no one was there, the fog and wind were swirling around, it was my first time there so the only way down I knew was the way I went up on steep slopes in heavy timber, and it was 2:30 so I knew time with light was limited. Left the skins on to control speed on the steep timbered slope but still made it to the car in an hour.

The road was well packed for the first two miles. The snow had a crust on top through 4000 feet, but was fairly soft beyond that point. Snowshoes sank about eight inches. Had to break trail for the last half-mile to Lower Kendall Peak Lake, where snow is about nine feet deep. Afterwards, dropped by to see His Tobness at the Visitor Center, then back home to munch on Twisties and Tim Tams while watching MacGyver episodes on telly.