Lake Janus and Grizzly Peak — Saturday, Jul. 21, 2012

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

We chose this hike based on the trip report from last weekend. I so appreciate these trip reports! We left Bellevue @ 830 and were hiking by 1020. The directions are clear and easy to follow. TH is 2.7 miles from Hwy 2, not 3.2 as the trail guide states, and is signed "Smith Brook Trail". Four cars at the start, with three groups getting ready to hit the trail. We skedaddled to get ahead of the family with small kids and the three guys with fishing tackle. The trail up to the intersection of PCT 2000 climbed steadily with lots of switchbacks. Some bugs too, so we stopped to apply our repellant. No snow on the trail until just before the intersection, and then the way finding got tough. Recent rains washed away all the boot prints on the snow. We pulled over to let the "chatty Charlies" pass mark the way for us. Once we got to the PCT 2000 and turned right toward Lake Janus, we encountered more snow patches. Lots more than I expected based on last week's trip report. The way down to Lake Janus was gradual, with several blowdowns that are easy to get over or under. Several water patches and muddy spots in between long stretches of great trail. Less than 1/2 mile or so from the lake, there is a great overlook to the valley with nice rocks to sit on. We paused there, let a lone hiker pass on by, and enjoyed the view. On to the lake, we came upon a few small snow patches, then took a side trail (unmarked) toward the shore. We came upon the sign for the "Stock Camp" and picked our way through snow to get to the shore. And this was so worth it! Gorgeous lake, that Scout ran in and out of for 30 minutes while we watched an osprey fly in out out of the trees and over our heads. The "chatty Charlies" had hiked up the south lake shore and were fishing off in the distance. The family arrived 15 minutes after we did and scouted for a good campsite. The way back was quick, until Page got too far behind Bill to see where to go in the snow field at the trail intersection. After a few minutes and radio calls, she figured it out (seeing a large log that had been cut to allow the trail to pass thru it) and eventually got back on the trail. Pay attention if you go soon after this trip report! You may want to add some markers along the snow. We saw a few deer/elk prints in the mud and heard lots of song birds. While not abundant with wildflowers, there were several: glacier lily, blue bells, bleeding hearts, trillium, bunch berry, lupine to name a few. Total hike and rest time: 4 hours 40 minutes includes 30 minutes at the lake.