First of all, I think they've done some improvements to the road in - not quite as bad as last year, although there is still the minor stream fording that was passable in our VW Golf. Still, be prepared for many potholes and a long bumpy drive in. We started up the Deception Pass trail around 11 am on Friday from a full parking lot. The first 4.5 miles fly by as you ramble up and down along Hyas Lake and small streams before climbing up to the trail junction for Tuck and Robin Lakes and the PCT. We took the trail heading up to Lake Clarice and Marmot and Jade Lakes, which really starts to climb. At this point, the dark dreary clouds that had been threatening rain all morning finally let loose. The wet and cooler temps also meant the mosquitoes were out in full force, especially in the valleys and along the brush covered trails. The close foliage meant lots of water to soak our legs and boots too, and we were completely soggy in no time. Besides a little mud from the rain, the trails were all in great condition and mostly clear with only a few blow-downs that are easily passable. Marmot Lake was completely socked in with clouds, but a few campsites were open. During a break in the drizzle, we set up our tent, made some tea to keep warm, and began our attempt at warding off the mosquitoes. They were loving the cool damp weather, and our fresh blood. After a warm dinner, bottle of wine, and rousing game of go fish, we headed to bed hoping for sunshine on Saturday. Saturday I woke to rain, but luckily it ended before we emerged from the tent. As we were cleaning up breakfast, we heard rockfall into the water - 2 mountain goats were bounding along the rock-face across the lake. It's amazing how quickly and easily they move along the cliffs! After enjoying the beauty of the morning, we packed a lunch and headed along the lakeside path that quickly climbs up avalanche chutes and streams to Jade Lake. The pika were out in full force along the boulder strewn chutes, and we even saw a few marmots up near Jade Lake (and sadly, a mountain goat in the midst of losing his winter coat found a final resting place next to a fallen log near the water). The meadows were blooming with heather and juniper, lupine, indian paint brush, and a few huckleberries were even left on the bushes. After passing No Name Lake, Jade Lake quickly comes into view, and it really is the reason to head out on this hike. Absolutely stunning bright blue-green waters bordered by impressive rock faces and melting glaciers and countless streams running into and out of the lake. We couldn't help but sing 'The Sound of Music' as we wandered along the trails leading to various lake-side boulders and stunning lunch spots. The sun even peeked out a few times as we re-fueled and enjoyed the scenery; but the cooler temps up high and the clouds quickly rolling in forced us to turn around and head back to camp. Upon returning, we found we had quite a few more neighbors, and there were possibly more people backpacking into the lake than there were spots to camp. So much for one of the less popular lakes guaranteeing more solitude and privacy! Despite the clouds and company, we still decided to jump into the lake to rinse off the days sweat. A relaxing evening of reading, followed with our favorite dinner and some Irish cocoa, we were ready to retire early and rest up for our long hike out the next day. Sunday morning we finally woke to sunshine! It was beautiful, and made it even harder to pack up and leave the lakes. We decided to take the 'long' way back by heading south on the PCT at the big trail junction, which heads up along the opposite side of the valley. Cool forested groves of some lovely old growth open up to expansive views of the valley and Hyas Lake, and as the trail climbs the views only get better. The stream crossings were not too bad this time of year, and we found a couple logs to cross on a little further up from the trail crossing. This was the perfect spot to stop for lunch too, and it felt wonderful to soak our hot tired feet in the glacial stream waters and marvel at the cascading waterfalls and vistas. The final climb up to Cathedral pass is steep and seems much longer than the 5.2 miles on our map - took us much longer than anticipated too. This section of the trail has several blow-downs which are more difficult to pass and requires some tricky climbing over and/or under some massive logs, and some bigger people might need to take off their packs (wasn't an issue for a couple 5'5"/5'6" ladies). After the pass, it's a long ~5 miles of quick descent back to the trail head, and the mosquitoes were out in full force again. Luckily the miles go much quicker on this last stretch of trail. A couple cool beers and some Oreos and potato chips in the car were a much anticipated and delicious treat to end the long day (but the traffic on I-90 West to Seattle from an accident earlier in the afternoon was NOT). Overall, the trip was ~ 27 miles: 9.5 miles in to Marmot Lake, ~3 miles round-trip from Marmot Lake to Jade Lake, and 14.6 miles from Marmot Lake to Cathedral Pass and back to the joint trailheads.

WTA put in many hours on this trail in August - first a youth group and then a mostly senior group. We filled in turnpikes, built water bars, realigned the trail in places, and created drainages. In dry weather, this trail is in great shape at least as far as the tarns beyond Squaw Lake and probably well beyond that. However we got drenched in a huge downpour on Tuesday night and the resulting runoff revealed several water problems. Beyond the tarns, returning hikers reported dangerous creek crossings due to fast flowing high water and no bridges. We noted on the steep 2 mile climb 1000' up to the ridgeline from the trailhead, many rivulets gushing over the trail and eroding the tread.

Reading about the 12mi on NF4330 almost put us off the hike, but it really wasn't so bad. It does take 40min+ to do that part, but really the road is in good shape. Except for the stream/lake covering the road in one spot, which likely puts the hike out of reach for any but high clearance vehicles. Our Forester did just fine! The trail is in great shape and the WTA crew was just starting an 8-day gig so it promises to be even better! The only thing to watch for is the junction with the PTA called out as the stopping point - the signs aren't very noticeable when hiking in the uphill direction. We missed them completely and ended up turning around at a nice rocky area further along. It was a better turnaround/lunch spot anyway, so we recommend going a ways past the junction to get the nice views of the mountains just to the left of Cathedral Rock.

Cathedral Pass in great shape! Peggy's Pond is a rough scramble in places, especially alarming as we were there in a thunderstorm. Bugs only bad when you stop :) 4x4 recommended on road to trailhead because of a stream crossing. Probably ok in dry conditions but definitely swollen after the rain.

Hiked from trail head via Cathedral Rock to Deception pass, then around via Hyas lake back to trailhead. Did a side trip to Tuck lake. Trail from Cathedral to Deception pass had many downed trees, and the McDaniel creek was a bit challenging - there was a small log across, but it was sketchy. Occasional wildflowers in the woods and small meadows along the way. From deception pass along Hyas lake was pretty - lots of wildflowers, trail in great shape. Camped at Tuck lake, along with at least 20 other people. Had a goat visit the campsite one morning. Swimming was actually below heart attack level, unlike the snowmelt off of McDaniel. Note that with the recent rain, there is a stream running over the road that's about 8 inches deep. My Prius made it, but it was up to the door sill.