Snow Lake — Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025

As part of my USFS volunteer job, I regularly participate by hiking on trail patrols. Yesterday, I hiked to Snow Lake. Fortunately, I arrived at the TH at 8:15 when the heat was not bad. Unfortunately, given how long it took me to pick up all the trash I encountered on the trail (including 8 dog poop bags, pee detritus, beer cans, plastic bottles, red bull cans, and a paper bag full of old lunch items), I did not descend until late afternoon when it was REALLY HOT. That said, I did take a nice dip in the lake. So delicious. 

Other than the heat and the trash issue, the trail is in good shape and the lake is beautiful. 

Things to note: 

• there is very little water available on the trail until you reach the lake so make sure you have enough water with you.
• use sunscreen
• few wildflowers are blooming. All I saw was fireweed.
• there are not a lot of berries 
• PLEASE CARRY YOUR DOG POOP BAGS WITH YOU. You are required to carry them with you and not leave them on the trail for later pickup, or someone else picking them up.
• Thank you to the several folks who shared with me that they pick up trash on the trail while hiking.
• Thank you to the kind overnight camper who lightened my load by offering to take the 2 gallons of trash I collected. 
• Please carry out your pee wipe material, beer cans, water bottles, red bull cans, etc. Don't throw them in the bushes as it is not safe for the wildlife and then someone like me has to pick it up. Gross. 
• Dogs are required to be on a leash. Most folks abided by this, but there were a few folks who did not. Your dog is safer on a leash. 
• Please don't play music while hiking. It is jarring to the wildlife and other hikers.