It was a stunning day to try a new hike, although quite cold. My hiking partner and I had never done this trail before so we didn't really know what to expect besides what we had seen online. Luckily for about a quarter of the trail we didn't have to sift through much powder but as we got further along it got much deeper.
We left the north side of the train tracks at 8:30am and finally got up to the lake at 1:30pm. The last mile was incredibly hard due to the fact that we were breaking trail in waist deep (at times) snow and going up a very steep incline. The trail was barely recognizable at some points, and we had to be careful at some creek crossings which made the going even slower. Poles are essential for feeling sink holes and extra balance.
It was really cold around 10 degrees and at times the wind would pick up and then we were praying that a giant clump of snow wasn't going to fall on us from the trees above. (Some came a little too close for comfort)
We only stayed at the lake for 15 minutes. Enough to take a couple pictures, eat some food and put warmer layers on. The wind was quite chilling up there, although the sunshine was nice.
We left the top at 1:45pm and we arrived back at the car around 5:15. We could have gone faster but my partner had a knee that was giving her quite a bit of pain, which slowed us down quite a bit. We got back in enough time to not have to pull out our headlamps which was a plus.
Anyone that is going up this week (or before the next big snow) will be able to do this trail much faster because we packed a nice trail all the way to the top.
WARNING: my waterbottle froze shut and my partners camel back hose did as well. Luckily I had brought a thermos of hot tea that sustained us.
Make sure you are prepared, this is quite the snow shoe, there is a lot that can go wrong when you are out that far.
Snow shoes are essential.
Through it all I am so happy we made it to the top. The lake is stunning and views are spectacular.
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