Day 1: Hiked in from Rainy Pass north on the Pacific Crest Trail. Had a nice breeze that keep us cool all the way that was relief being a warm day. Spectacular views all along the trail. Enough water sources currently that I was fine just carrying one quart at a time between refills. Trail in great shape except a washout about a mile and a half from the turn off to Snowy Lakes. It is about 30 feet of loose gravel, so please be careful. Hopefully it will be fixed soon. Then the side trail to Snowy Lakes was marked as 0.5 mile on my Green Trails map, but think it is longer than that due to recent trail improvements that added some switchbacks. Spent the first night at Upper Snowy Lake. The bugs were really bad (bring bug net and plenty of repellent), but the lake and surroundings beautiful. There is a privy on the northwest side of the upper lake. There is also one on the west side of the lower lake. Just follow the cairns.
Day 2: Investigated the ridge (shoulder of Golden Horn) just to the north of the lakes. We did not feel confident going too far up towards the top. But saw the primitive trail continue up. We moved camp down to the small meadow by the PCT to be more ecologically friendly and get some better late afternoon shade. Then we did a short hike to Methow Pass area. Back at camp there were only marginally less bugs there compared to the lakes. But nice privy there as well. Handful of thru-hikers on the trail (this was mid-week) and shared the smaller camp with a couple of parties. Was nice hearing their experiences and comparing gear. One guy was a speed hiker and just did 50 miles that day!
Day3: Hiked out back to the trailhead with some great photos and memories. Get out and enjoy this wonderful trail!
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