Another winter wonderland hike: There was snow on the road heading up to the Talapus Lake trailhead today, but other than the first 100 feet of trail, the trail is snow free and a good way to enjoy the otherwise snow dusted forest.
My original destination today was Mirror Lake, but when I saw snow on the ground starting before exit 45, I changed plans to Talapus figuring it would be more accessible.
The open portions of the road up were lightly snow covered, but nothing impassable. There was a lot of deadfall on the road. (I keep an axe or saw in my car this time of year in case a tree blocks me on the way out.)
A previous trip report claims that you don't need a Forest Pass because the restrooms are closed for the season. Pretty sure that's inaccurate. I was at the Ira Spring trail last Wednesday and there were Forest Service folks emptying the trash and checking passes despite the bathrooms being closed.
The forest today was snow covered, but the trail was clear for the most part since it's under the tree canopy (pic 2). There's a little mud and water, mostly after you cross the bridge over Talapus Creek. It was pretty easy to get to the lake. The trees in the lake at the outlet are super slippery and snow covered.
It was pretty cold and it was helpful to have raingear as the wind kept blowing snow off the trees.
There weren't many people up there. I was the only car in the lot when I arrived. I didn't see anyone until I was nearly back to the parking lot. There were three other cars when I left.
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