Ashland Lakes parking lot is basically snow free. The trail to the lakes has snow on about 40% of the trail with the higher portions being relatively free of snow. Drifts of snow remain at the lakes, about 2-3 feet deep at the upper lake. The lakes are still covered with ice/snow, but the edges are starting to melt. Plenty of whistling bird and small animal action. Owls were quite vocal in the afternoon as the shadows lengthened. The trail is muddy as expected this time of year, but there are no bothersome bugs.

Parking lot at Ashland snow bound. Hard to walk in soft snow on most of the trail. A side trail at about 1/2 mile from trailhead was reasently cleared. This is a very pleasent walk through old growth Cedar and Hemlock. No one on the trail today.