Hiked in to Deep Lake from the Cathedral Rock trailhead for a week of trail work. Since it's a hiker / horse trail, it takes some pretty heavy abuse and could use more work. There was evidence of water on the trail, running down it and overflowing the drainage. On Wednesday, i hiked to Waptus Lake - there are some narrow switchbacks and at least one large rock on trail (it slowed me down, I can't imagine how a horse would get around it) . Our work project was to convert some puncheon to turnpike - we completed two. Lots of rain for three nights showed us that the turnpikes work. The area surrounding Deep Lake is wet, probably all the time. Bugs were evident but not terribly aggressive. Tons of very tasty berries.

Hit the Cathedral Rock trailhead about 10:30 am. Conditions were near perfect, mostly sunny, 65 degrees but a little on the humid side. The trail is in good shape all the way. Not too many bugs, and a variety of wildflowers blooming. Huckleberries are plentiful and at peak ripeness right now so we ate quite a few. After the turnoff to Peggy's Pond, we didn't encounter another soul until after the pass. I suspect this was because of the difficult river ford about 7 miles in. After crossing successfully, we both agreed it had been risky--don't attempt if you are by yourself, as no one will be along shortly to render aid! Consider bringing hiking sandals for the crossing or at least an extra pair of socks--we both got boots full of water. The craggy mountain views along the way to the pass are spectacular and distinctive, especially in the late afternoon light. The pass itself is nothing special, watch carefully for the junction to the Hyas Lake Trail, which takes you to the Deception Pass trailhead in a quick 5 mile all downhill stretch. Lots of people camping in the lovely campsites along the shore of Hyas Lake. This would make a great overnight backpack. My friend lost her black prescription sunglasses on the trail or maybe at the D.P. trailhead. If you find a pair, please call Courtney at 360-280-4957. Thanks!

I agree with the last trip report that the dirt road to the trail head is badly in need of repair. I think it's about ten miles and it took an hour (probably faster in a 4 wheel drive). Otherwise it was a nice hike, although we only did the first 2 miles due to weather. There was hardly a bug anywhere, although we didn't get to the lake.

Cathedral Rock - Deception Pass Loop in July? Aren’t there dangerous water crossings? Isn’t it high water season? Exactly. And I was all by myself on the PCT section of this loop. I really should have turned back at Cathedral Rock. First things first. I think Cle Elum Valley road is in need of serious maintenance. I was on this road a few years back, and I don’t remember it being this bad. Potholes galore. Many jutting rocks in the middle of the road. It took a long while to get to the trailhead. The trail to Cathedral Rock is in a great shape. You start to see snow patches after you get past Squaw lake. The meadow area under the rock is about 70 % snow covered still. I went up and over Cathedral pass to see the awesome view of Deep lake and the surrounding mountain. There were many hikers in the area. After returning to the trail junction, I turned left to get on PCT. I thought I was prepared. Foolish of me. Steep switchbacks on the way down was covered in many snow patches. Finding route was not easy, but not difficult, either. After you cross Hyas creek (first water crossing), there is no more snow. I switched to my hiking sandals for the first water crossings at Hyas creek and continued on. If you cannot find the trail after the creek, it goes up the small hill right in front of you. I didn’t have to switch shoes for the second crossing. The view of the valley, Granite mountain, and Hyas lake was nice. I felt good, until I got to the “difficult ford”. It’s some kind of a gorge, and the water was more like a falls right now. I switched to sandals and crossed the main stream. Water was up to my waist (I’m short) and it was very difficult to walk straight. Once I got to the other side, I realized I was not done. The trail landing on the far side was right next to dangerously pouring water. This was what Manning meant by “suicidal” crossing, I suppose. I started to panic; I was quite tired at this point, and I was not confident that I could get back up to Cathedral Rock in the snow (although that may still be a safer choice). After much contemplation and planning, I decided to attempt the crossing. I switched back to hiking boots for better traction, and I slid down the rock face while holding on to some plants for dear life. I barely made it. I was so happy to be back on a dry trail. After this, I was determined to get home as soon as possible. There are numerous blowdowns (some of them were quite difficult to get past) on the PCT section to Deception Pass. There was another crossing I had to switch shoes for. Bugs were fierce at low elevation. But nothing else mattered. I had to get home, fast. I finally felt relieved when I got to Robin lake trail junction. I knew there would be people coming down on this trail. The last miles from Hyas lake to the trailhead, I don’t remember much. There were many small water crossings. It was an adventure I should not have taken on. I was just glad to come out in one piece. I don’t think I would be attempting this loop again. I had enough excitement, thank you. O, and crossing Scatter creek in my sedan was no picnic, either, especially on the way back. To my wife, who doesn’t know the details yet. “I’m so sorry. This will not happen again.”

I enjoyed a nice ski trip up Mt. Daniel this past Monday, 6/10/2013. The road to the trailhead is now driveable, assuming the crossing of Scatter Creek can made a few miles from the end. Heading back in the early evening, the water was probably about 1.5 feet high, and I was able to cross easily in a Subaru Outback. Low clearance vehicles might have trouble during higher melt times. The Cathedral Rock trail crosses a few small snow patches but is largely snow free until about 4500 feet. I could have put on skis/skins around this point but the snow was well packed and I kept hiking easily in my approach shoes. Snow pack was consistent at the junction for the Trail Creek trail. Squaw Lake is mostly melted out and one can cross the outlet stream on a small log pretty easily. The mellow ascent towards Cathedral Rock is enjoyable and goes by quickly. Once the trail drops to traverse around Cathedral Rock to Peggy's Pond I encountered some melted out sections as well as a few sections with a good boot path across snow. After crossing under Cathedral Rock you transition back to consistent snow cover. Peggy's Pond is still mostly frozen, aside from a little blue water showing in spots along the shore. It's been years since I was back here and quickly remembered what a spectacular area it is. From here the skin (or climb if you're in boots) to the top of Mt. Daniel is straight forward and entirely on snow. Wonderful views in to the rugged area around Bears Breast Mountain and the rest of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. I watched as the wall of clouds from yesterday's weather slowly started to pour over Daniel's other summits. A nice late afternoon ski back to the Peggy's Pond trail was a real bonus on top of a great day outside.