By 8:30 on a Saturday cars were lining Highway 20. In the minutes it took to get ourselves and our gear ready, at least five groups pulled up behind us. Thanks to the WTA people at the trailhead for welcoming and educating visitors!
Before splitting off toward the lakes, the Heather Maple Pass trail was unsurprisingly busy. By the time we got up to the fork the crowds subsided and the ground had a light dusting of snow. This made the boulder field a little extra treacherous, but not unmanageable.
Fantastic colors at Lewis Lake. The larches have yet to peak, and were light green to yellow with some golden trees. The temperature dropped as we ascended to Wing Lake. Very cold afternoon and night that seemed to improve by the morning- or maybe we’d adjusted our expectations! Tens of tents at Wing Lake; everyone was respectful but don’t come expecting solitude on a larch-peeping weekend. The area seems fragile and I’m curious whether there are any plans to add a toilet. Ran into a ranger who said it was unlikely, and that sadly the Forest Service will not be hiring any seasonal employees next year to help with projects like that.
Glorious sunrise and uneventful trek out. Snow had melted on the trail and talus slope. Finished out the counter clockwise Heather Maple Pass loop because why not? Happy larching!
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