Had a lovely morning hike up to both lakes today. The road all the way up is clear of snow, though if you go early, there is black ice in spots. The parking lot was a sheet of ice from the snow on Sunday night that then froze overnight last night.
The trail is completely snow covered from the start, but it is pretty well packed down from other hikers. It was very icy though so I do recommend microspikes, we put them on immediately and they helped a ton. Snow is covering the trail the entire way to both lakes and there are a few down trees that you have to step over. Gaiters were not needed at all unless you go off trail or past Marion where the trail became a single boot path and not packed down.
Both lakes are already frozen over, but definitely not solid, so don't try to walk to close to them. Larches are actually not quite prime yet. They are mostly yellow but some are still green or have greenish yellow sections. I would call them almost prime, but it's also hard to see the true color with all the snow.
Comments
jaimeeee on Clara and Marion Lakes
These are Western larches which turn much later than the alpine larches found around the North Cascades & Chelan-Sawtooths.... different species!
Posted by:
jaimeeee on Oct 15, 2025 07:50 PM
Skye Stoury on Clara and Marion Lakes
They sure are but still seem to be turning late this year compared to normal.
Posted by:
Skye Stoury on Oct 15, 2025 08:19 PM
jaimeeee on Clara and Marion Lakes
I live only a few minutes away from Mission and frequently hike here... all of my photos of peak color are between 23rd and the end of October, so seems pretty normal to me.
Posted by:
jaimeeee on Oct 15, 2025 08:47 PM
Skye Stoury on Clara and Marion Lakes
Alright, different from what I’ve experienced in the past but that’s fine. Was just trying to post a helpful trip report for snow conditions but no worries if you don’t agree with my report…
Posted by:
Skye Stoury on Oct 15, 2025 09:13 PM
jaimeeee on Clara and Marion Lakes
Report is great and helpful, just speaking to your comment about being surprised by the delayed color! No offense intended, happy hiking!
Posted by:
jaimeeee on Oct 15, 2025 09:41 PM
nicolekristek on Clara and Marion Lakes
Thanks for the snow report. I also do this hike most years from Cashmere and most of my photos looking back are getting quite yellow mid October. Although most times I have not hiked in the snow! I can imagine the descent towards the end is far less fun when it's slick.
Posted by:
nicolekristek on Oct 17, 2025 07:18 AM