Got an early start to hike the loop counterclockwise and headed up the west slope of Sherman Peak. There is some flagging up the ridge as well as blue diamonds marking what seems to be a ski route. Higher up the blowdowns started from the old burn. Just below the summit are some talus fields but nothing too steep to easily negotiate.   

I then dropped down to the saddle between Sherman and Snow Peaks where the trail crosses and hiked up the north ridge of Snow Peak in dense young forest and fractured, rocky slopes. The summit has an enormous triangulation cairn from early surveyors and excellent views.

Then it was back down to the saddle to complete the loop. 

A friend and I reserved the cabin for one night and backpacked in from the Snow Peak TH. This portion of trail is just lovely and the fall colors are turning quick. Very hot for the end of September and we felt it. Cabin was in good shape, well supplied, but one broken cot, Sleeps 3 at this point. I do prefer to go uphill on Snow Peak for fresh water rather than use the trough, the pipe is a trickle at best. We caught the sunset descending back to the cabin lugging our water, it was gorgeous. All the stars and the Milky Way were out, and we woke to a gorgeous sunrise. 

We came in from the Hall Creek -Snow Peak Trailhead.  The trail is in excellent condition, and the wildflowers were spectacular all the way up to Snow Peak Cabin.  Plenty of water in the water trough by the cabin.

Set out on 26 December for a two night overnight trip at Snow Peak Cabin. Our group parked at Kettle Crest Falls and set out.

The Good:
- Trail is in decent condition and has markers (blue blaze and red/orange flags on the trees) along the way but can be difficult to navigate with new snowfall
- It is definitely a challenging trail to snowshoe with a heavy pack but worth it!
- The cabin was really cute and you can reserve it on rec.gov for overnight permits

The Bad:
- My car and my friend's car were both broken into and they took everything they could. It sucks that more and more trailheads are being targeted by criminals
- It's a long trek there from the west side so plan accordingly

I headed in with 2 friends on Friday for 2 nights at the cabin. We were early at the snow peak trailhead (we'd disperse camped nearby the night prior). we didn't see another person until the second day (when we hiked the Sherman peak loop). There was plenty of clean enough water in the trough near the cabin (we used a pot to collect it running out of the pipe that feeds into the trough & of course we filtered/boiled it - depending on our planned use). there was also a spring up the hill (it took some work to clean it out to make it useable - but the trough was way more convenient & every bit as clean. The cabin was tidy/clean & the cots with their mattresses were really comfy. Plenty of wood (cabin was warm, didn't need much heat even tho outdoors was cool) & plenty of gas for cooking.  the solitude was fantastic & the sights were spectacular.  sunrise & sunsets were amazing! the larch are just starting, the aspen is well on it's way.  the first afternoon we headed south on the trail to the pass between snow peak & bald mountain.  day 2 we walked the sherman Peak Loop (we went anti clockwise, the few day hikers we saw were walking clockwise) - great loop, diverse sights. day 3 we headed out (would have loved one more night. I look forward to returning to this wonderful wild spot & exploring further.