Got to the trailhead around 545, maybe 20 cars in the lot including a couple recent arrivals. Mostly had the trail to ourselves on the way up to gem. Many campers at snow on the way by.
Trail is in pretty great shape mostly. We were glad to have boots for the many rock fields.
The trail around snow is especially gorgeous with great views, wildflowers and berries. The log bridge looks rough but was fine.
Plenty of campsites to be had at gem when we got there around 9. By the afternoon it was well populated but not 100% full.
Bug spray was a must but the bugs didn’t ruin the view, especially up high in the breeze. Did not seem as bad as reported in the last few trip reports.
Weather was perfect and not too cold overnight.
Gem lake is pretty cold but the sunny weather made it worth a quick dip. The water at snow is warmer and many folks were swimming.
Trail was as busy as you’d expect when we hiked out late morning. Parking lots maybe 95% full.
If you like snow lake it’s well worth the extra walk to gem, or even to the log bridge.
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