Our trip did not go as planned but this was a very easy hike and a great place for a one night overnight. We were mistaken by how long off the interstate it would take to get to the trailhead (2 hrs). The FS rd, 4330 is not clearly marked but the alternative is left over a bridge into a dead end camping area. Stay right up the gravel road marked for Salmon La Sac. It's not in great condition, has tons of pot holes and takes a very long time to get to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead, 10 miles after turning off the paved road. There is a section about 8 miles in where the road crosses Scatter Creek but there is no bridge so the water is high on the road. We have a Subaru CrossTreck and were ok, we just went slow. Anything lower wouldn't be able to pass.
Once we finally made it to the trailhead we were the only car in the "lot". There is a board with info and a bathroom that was out of TP. No biggy this early in the season as it's not maintained during the off season.
The trail was nice, narrow and fairly clear of debris, some downed trees but kicked out of the way. The trail climbs steadily after the first 1/2 mile. About mile 2 you hit snow for the rest of the way. The trail was difficult to follow at times as there were no markings on trees, but luckily someone went before us so we followed their tracks. We rested at Squaw Lake and had lunch before heading on to our intended destination of Peggy's Pond. We hiked about 30 more minutes and decided to forgo that plan because of the snow. We were moving too slow and it was too slushy. We turned around and camped at Squaw for the night. We were the only one's there and were able to snag a lake front sight and one of the 3 that wasn't covered in snow. It was warm, bug free and beautiful. It didn't get too cold at night but we had warm clothes and the luxury of a fire.
You will definitely want gaters and extra time as the snow is slushy and in places pretty deep. Plenty of places to stop for water on the way. I saw a sigh for toilets but never found them. This would be a great hike for families, or just to get away for a night.
Comments