The hike was excellent, but at the top impassable snow blocked the trail. We used Yaktrax to climb the ridge and look down at the lake. Were it not for our poles, we would not have made it that far. I don't recommend Yaktrax for this snow; it's now too steep, don't attempt it unless you have spikes.
Round Lake is-covered, and I suspect it will remain so for weeks to come. Though nearby Darrington enjoyed a bright sunny day, we started in the rain and fog, it cleared up through most of the hike and then started raining again as we sat looking at the lake.
The trail itself was beautiful, yes, some overgrowth at the start and some downed trees to go around, under, and over if you're agile enough.
This trail will work you, it's up and up and up.
Type of Hike
Day hikeTrail Conditions
Obstacles on trail:Trees down across trail,
Overgrown in places.
Road
Road recommended for high clearance onlyBugs
Bugs were not too badSnow
Trail snow-covered at times - gear and expertise recommended
Comments
Hey question about the snow, and the timing of your trip:
What was the quality of the snow? (Hard? Slushy?)
Was plunge-stepping possible on the way downhill? Planning to bring ice axes and microspikes, but hoping to avoid crampons.
Posted by:
Adam W Gentz on Jul 22, 2020 08:41 PM
It was very hard and the slope made it treacherous. I'm 200lbs and often to breakthrough where I could I had to smash down hard. Microspikes should be fine, the axes would be good if the last few days of the sun hasn't turned everything to mush. I don't think I had any trouble pushing my poles into the snow, but the surface area of my large feet made it harder to pack it down. We lost the trail at the top so if you've been before, once you hit the snow don't feel compelled to follow in our steps.
Posted by:
ChrisClimb on Jul 22, 2020 09:07 PM
Thanks super helpful!
Posted by:
Adam W Gentz on Jul 22, 2020 09:18 PM
Hey question about the snow, and the timing of your trip:
What was the quality of the snow? (Hard? Slushy?)
Was plunge-stepping possible on the way downhill? Planning to bring ice axes and microspikes, but hoping to avoid crampons.
Posted by:
Adam W Gentz on Jul 22, 2020 08:41 PM