Pretty steady hike for the first couple miles, there is snow towards the top after you see the stream. The snow is on the wooden bridges however it wasn't difficult to move around it. The lakes are also frozen but still, an absolutely gorgeous view be sure to dress accordingly.

There is a road closed sign at the beginning of the road up but we drove around it as the road was marked open on the forest service website. The road was clear with no blockage all the way up. We did need to chain up half way because of the ice/snow/slush that day and our car needed the help with traction.

Trail was absolutely wonderful! There was a lot of deep snow further in so would recommend snow shoes.

Lots of blow downs to navigate, but nothing impassable. Used microspikes about halfway up. Lake is snow-covered. A somewhat boring hike, but less crowded than other options on the weekend!

Lost a brown OR mitten at the junction in the road to Talapus Lake trailhead. If found please email eachipeachy@gmail.com. 

thank you!

We drove all the way to the trailhead (in an Outback), but I would not recommend it.  The way up was fine except for the last 200 ft, but then we got stuck leaving the parking area.  Thanks to some kind people just arriving who helped push us out.  In any case, after the next storm, it likely won't be possible to drive up that far.

That said, the hike is lovely. We had snowshoes,but a few others were going up in microspikes. I think the snowshoes probably worked better.  There are a few logs over the trail to go over or around, but nothing too bad.  The lake is covered with snow and probably frozen, although we didn't test it.  The trail is easy to follow. Would definitely do again, but park further down as it suggests on the WTA website.