Man o man, was this a beautiful hike! What an experience hiking in new fallen snow through the woods with nobody around! As usual, my pictures don't do it justice. The sights were simply breathtaking.
The snow started about 3,400', it got a little deeper with elevation but was only about 3" or so max. Fairly dry and crunchy. I did not use microspikes on the way up, but would not have gone to the summit if I did not have them with me because coming down I felt they were necessary. On the way down I left them on all the way to the end of the snow as it just made the descent so much easier. With much more snow than this an ice axe would be necessary in case of a slip / fall up toward the top.
This trail has good signage at the main two splits (see route map below) and there are a couple of "trail" signs posted on trees just after the lake to keep you on track there. The trail was pretty busy on the way down, but most people were only headed to Mason Lake. In warmer weather it looks like there were a few muddy spots up around the lake, but easy enough to avoid.
GETTING THERE:
Easy access, eastbound I-90 exit 45, left back over the freeway and just follow the road straight all the way to the trailhead. There are a couple of roads to the right, but just continue straight. Plenty mentioned in previous reports about the potholes which are fairly deep but only in about 3 spots. Most of the road is in really good condition. I arrived about 7:20am on a Thursday and was the second car. When I returned at about 3:15pm there were about 34 cars, so pretty busy trailhead. There is a bathroom at the trailhead and it was unlocked and stocked with TP.
Comments