Bench and Snow Lakes — Wednesday, Jun. 12, 2019

Picked a great day to head to the mountains and avoid the 90+ heat in Seattle.

Trail is now almost entirely snow-free, with the exception of a shady stretch in the small valley approaching Snow Lake, and a few patches around the lake itself. It’s totally crossable (the pictured five-year-old managed with good boots and firm hand-holding) and not hard to figure out where to go.

The log bridge that crosses the outlet of Snow Lake (to the campsites and toilet) is not “out” but not exactly stable either; some maneuvering is required to avoid having to get a little wet - though again, pictured five-year-old managed it well enough.

Still a bit early for wildflowers, but we did see abundant avalanche lilies lining the shady early portions of the the hike, and beargrass here and there as we climbed.

All in all, consider this great family hike open for the season.