Trap Lake — Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024

Began the ascent on the morning of Saturday, August 31st, 2024 which was the beginning of a holiday weekend. The "parking lot" which is an area of parallel parking opportunities was mostly full by 8am. I assumed that a decent portion of the congestion was from Friday evening overnight backpackers. The first 1.5 miles is straight uphill with little to no switchbacks to Hope Lake. This is a good resting point and junction area with signage. From Hope Lake you take PCT South which is well groomed and covers ascent well with switchbacks. You will go approx. 3.5 miles until you reach an unmarked junction which going left takes you down to Trap Lake and staying right continues on the PCT to Trap Pass. Trap Lake has many established campsites and amazing trout fishing opportunities. This is also a good base to set up and day hike to Trap Pass and further to Thunder Mountain Lakes (Surprise and Glacier). Even though the parking lot was mostly full when we started and some backpackers heading down the mountain told us we would find little opportunity to camp, there were plenty of unused campsites at Trap Lake overnight. Many backpackers may be going over Trap Pass to set up camp, but I'm unsure.