Bridges Lake loop, Boyle & Klaus — Monday, Dec. 16, 2002

Fuller Mountain and environs is a great place to take a winter hike at a low, snow-free elevation. A string of lakes set among hills provide a scenic destination for moderate hikes of a few miles. Volunteers have recently brushed out the existing trails and even added some new routes. This area is logging company land, so you do have to accept the sight of clearcuts, although the trees do grow fast on this prime lowland forestland and quickly heal the damage. For a nice tour of the lakes, park by the Spur Ten west gate off the North Fork Snoqualmie Road. Just past the gate on the far side of the road, find a good, unsigned trail heading into the woods. The trail passes some lumber company propaganda signs, then after a short descent reaches the surprisingly voluminous Ten Creek., which may be crossed via a wobbly log bridge. Beyond the crossing, the trail climbs to an intersection with a minor logging road, 0.25 miles from the beginning of the hike. A flagged trail accross the road provides a direct path to Fuller Mountain. I did not survey that trail, but my fellow hikers indicated that the trail has been reopened and is usable again. To get to the lakes, turn left (west) and follow the road 0.25 miles to a 4 way intersection with larger logging roads. Continue straight ahead (north). It's a pleasant walk along the road as it travels underneath the steep west face of Fuller Mountain. Klaus Lake is close by but hidden by trees. The road passes by a bog, climbs to a low summit, then drops a bit. About 0.75 miles from the 4-way junction, a junction with a lesser road is reached. You are well north of Fuller Mountain at this point.Take the lesser road. The road ends after only 100 yards, but a volunteer-built trail continues on into the woods. The trail is muddy and rough, but fun to walk on. A creek crossing is soon reached, signed ""Joe's Crossing"". A bit further you reach the shore of pretty Boyle Lake. The trail rambles along the west shore of the sizable lake, apparently on a very old railroad grade. The trail continues up the gentle valley north of the lake, fording a creek at ""Fred's Crossing"", then reaching Bridges Lake about a half mile from Boyle. Bridges Lake is also a pretty place. The trail rambles along the east shore a bit, then at a sign mysteriously indicating ""Biergarten"", the route leaves the lake and heads straight up the slope. After 200 feet of climbing, the trail pops out of the woods onto a logging road. To get to the Biergarten, find another trail, recently constructed, that climbs the final bit of steep hill to the summit. There's no beer at the top unfortunately, but the view is certainly spectacular--mount Si, the Cascades, and even Mount Rainier. To return, follow the logging road south as it rambles south along a hilly ridge to the east of Bridges and Boyle lake. Eventually you will reach the ""Y"" intersection where you accessed the Boyle/Bridges lake trail.