Monogram Lake — Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025

Showed up at Marblemount Ranger station around 0730 hoping to get a permit to camp at Sahale Glacier. There were no permits available for when I wanted to go so settled for Monogram Lake. I will start by saying this was one of the more difficult trips I have done. I think part of the reason was I didn't have poles and the elevation gain didn't really let up. From the trailhead its switch back after switch back. Bring plenty of water. There's not much available before the lake. The best part of the entire hike is when you get to the meadow right before the lake. There are mountains as far as you can see and a river runs between them. View was breath taking. Took photos and looked out for 10 minutes or so before continuing to the lake. Decent camp sites around the lake and I stayed 1 night. I spent some time looking for a site where you could see the mountains from the lake but couldn't find one. You can see them from the cook area though which isn't too far. I thought the lake was average for the amount of effort it took and the fact you have to mess with getting a permit at the ranger station. It's nice to have done it though. I did Gothic Basin the week after this and Monogram Lake was more difficult.  I had poles on the trip to Gothic Basin though.