Frater Lake

Open year-round, this trail system is best known for its winter groomed loop trails. From December 1st through March 31st each year, the Frater Lake trailhead becomes a non-motorized SnoPark. A CXT toilet is available at the trailhead. The trail system is groomed approximately once per week as snow conditions allow, with a well-marked loop trail system totaling 10 miles. The trail system is split into two distinct areas, with the most trail miles available on the north side of Highway 20 on the Coyote Rock Loop and the Tiger Loop. A warming hut is located on the northwest side of Frater Lake, open to day-use only year-round. Visitors can carefully cross to the south side of Highway 20 for the Lake Leo Loop and Lions Trail on the south side of the trail system. 

When groomed, this trail system is excellent for Nordic ski touring with tracks set. Snowshoers are asked to stay to the side and out of the set ski track. The trails are generally too narrow for skate skiing. Once the snow is deep enough for grooming to begin each winter season, hikers are asked to not venture out on the trail system without snowshoes, as postholing hikers make trail grooming difficult and can create safety hazards for Nordic skiers. The majority of the trail system is mellow touring with little elevation change, but there are some steeper sections on the Coyote Rock Loop on the north side of the trail system, as well as on the Lions Tail Trail on the south side of the trail system. The "most difficult" trail difficulty rating for each of these trails applies mainly to Nordic skiers as opposed to snowshoe users, although both of these trails do contain some steeper climbs than elsewhere on the system. In the spring through the fall, the trail system is also open to hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. 

Frater Lake Trailhead is a day-use only location year-round. There are nearby USFS developed campgrounds at Lake Gillette and Lake Thomas during the summer season. The nearby privately owned Beaver Lodge Resort and Campground has winter accommodations available.