Annette Lake — Saturday, Apr. 22, 2023

Arrived at the trailhead around 9:30 AM. Short FS road was rough but totally doable with a GIG car (it’s so ridiculous we don’t have a shuttle service, or preferably a train, to the I-90 trailheads other than the extremely limited service of Trailhead Direct, but that’s another conversation). 15-20 vehicles there already.

Snow started in earnest about a mile in. Was doable with spikes and poles, but I wish I had brought my gaiters towards the top when there was about a foot of snow. Some post holing in the avalanche chutes, but nothing too big. Trail was well defined the whole way.

Lake itself was beautiful. I had it all to myself for the 30 minutes or so I hung out. Wished I’d brought a pad to sit on. If you’ve never drunk hot coffee by a frozen lake in total silence, I can’t recommend it strongly enough.

It did occur to me that it’s probably not the smartest thing to be out there on a day like that without avalanche gear. I was very conscious of that as a solo hiker in the chutes. Didn’t see avalanche gear on any of the other 20-30 hikers I saw (mostly on my way down).

Saw one person without spikes or poles (seemed to be trail running). And got passed by another wearing snowshoes on the way down, who was cruising! Otherwise everyone I saw had spikes and/or poles.

One forlorn glove right by the trailhead on a stick. Still there coming back down. Likely abandoned forever.