Sherman Peak Loop — Sunday, May. 27, 2018

A friend, my dog and I were excited to hike the Sherman Peak loop today, despite knowing it was likely there would still be some snow up there.  With 64" of snow over winter, even the warm spring days we've had would not have melted all of it.  From the trailhead most of the way to the loop junction was snowfree.  There were a few trees down but easily navigable.  There were areas of runoff in the trail and a few "trail ponds" or muddy areas.  Once we got to the loop junction, we went left (east).  There is significant snow still on the east side, especially through the rockslide area.  Many trees down in what was obviously an avalanche earlier in the season.  We were able to cross the snow and see the trail on the other side.  We also got lucky and ran into a family of three coming from the opposite direction.  Our tracks in the snow helped each other through the area.  Most of the snow was "boot pack" thanks to snowshoers.  If you stepped off the packed snow, you postholed up to knee or hip, depending on the section.  Once we turned onto the south side, the trail was snow-free and in great condition.  Our original plan had been to head out to Snow Peak cabin and back, but when we got to the junction, it looked like there was still a lot of snow that direction, so we chose to sit on the rocks and have an early lunch, enjoying the smell of the firs and the fresh mountain air.  A couple of backpackers came up the trail from the Snow Peak cabin area and said that once one turned the corner on the mountain that direction, it was bare and in good condition, though many trees down across the trail in places.  From the junction back around to complete the loop was almost entirely snow-free.  Some water runoff on trail in places.  All in all, a most excellent day with a little adventure for good measure.  A couple more weeks and the trail should be entirely snow-free.