Limited on time and daylight so decided to hike to the Overlook near Black Diamond Lake. Started at the trailhead off Hwy 97 noted by WTA coordinates. A new information board has recently been installed at trailhead, looks like some work still needs completed. The short driveway to the parking area and parking area itself are in excellent condition.
Distance to overlook: 3.5 miles with about 1,600 feet of elevation gain provides amazing views of Osoyoos, BC, Lake Osoyoos, Oroville, Similkamean Valley and Chopaka Mtn. Sun was out clear skies at start of hike but clouds could be seen approaching from the south and west and quickly transitioned to overcast. The lower 1 1/2 miles had intermittent snow cover, snow depth not much more than an inch. Had frozen hard overnight, actually provided good traction. I had mini-spikes with me but did not find the need to use them. From about 1 1/2 miles (neck of the canyon) to overlook, trail consistently covered with snow-about 2"-4". Not enough to make snow shoes worth while and again, footing was good from previous night freeze so did not put on my mini spikes. Likely conditions will change throughout the coming week as more precipitation and variable snow levels are predicted. Took me about 1 hour 45 minutes to make the overlook, wasn't pushing hard and the snow did increase the difficulty slightly. I did not take the time to push on to the lake since it was getting very late in the day and I would be hustling to get down before dark. A reminder and word of caution, I discovered my headlamp batteries were dead on the way down had to use my backup. I checked to make sure the headlamp was in my pack when I left home but didn't test it!! Turns out it had been about 2 months since I'd been out at night and the batteries had failed-ever tried to change batteries in your head lamp in the dark with cold hands? Not a good plan, lesson learned, I'll be sure to better check my equipment before heading out!!
The PNT section of the trail (Trail #100) is easy to follow with snow cover but the Loop trail is more difficult to follow with snow cover as there are no blazes to follow. Did not encounter the Big Horn herd today, jumped one grouse, but critters hunkered down as they seemed to know weather was coming, I didn't even hear or see birds.
Any day on the trail is a good day! This day hike is a great conditioning hike to prep for the season or maintain fitness during the winter months with great views of the Okanogan Valley as a payoff.
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