Hiked from the Tucquala lake TH to Peggy's pond as part of a climbing trip (Mt Daniel and Cathedral Rock were our objectives). The Cathedral Rock trail is in great shape. Once you get above Squaw lake, there's a little bit of snow but it doesn't really present any significant route-finding difficulties. There is still plenty of snow around Peggy's Pond and the pond itself remains mostly frozen. However, there are plenty of camp sites and you do not have to camp on snow. The weather was great the whole weekend with no precipitation. The bugs around Peggy's Pond (especially the mosquitoes) were out in full force and were about the only complaint I could register about this trip.

We wanted to see if the trail was open to Cathedral Pass so we called the Cle Elum Ranger for trail conditions. We were advised that "ice axe and crampons" would be needed and that Squaw Lake (before the pass) was 100% frozen. We opted to hike Hyas Lake instead but when we got to the trailhead (both hike trailheads are in close proximity to each other) we decided to try for Cathedral Pass anyway. Good trail and steady uphill grade lead us to the intersection with the Trail Creek trail at about 4700' where we encountered substantial snow patches that were very consolidated and easy to traverse. The snow patches continued to Squaw Lake which was 100% thawed and very pleasant. We continued for about another 1/2 mile or so until the snow pretty much obliterated the trail. Running a little short on time we turned around at this point. Those with basic routefinding skills should be able to access the pass following the straight northwest heading without much difficulty. Probably 2-3 more weeks before the snow is gone, more than that to dry the trail. No ice axe or crampons would be required to access the pass as far as we could tell, although boots and trekking poles were handy. Anyone wearing sneakers would probably get wet feet. Stream crossings were frequent but not much trouble even with the relatively high water levels. Many of these streams will be gone later in the year. The last 12 miles of dirt road on the way to the trailhead was pretty rough and prevented making very good travel time. There also was a creek crossing on the road that was maybe 1 1/2 feet deep, no problem for trucks or SUV's, iffy with a little sedan. There were a few flys at the lake although they didn't seem hungry, no mosquitos up high, more down at the trailhead.

I went on a hike to Cathedral Pass in sunny and warm weather. Last 12 miles of the road to trailhead was a shaking experience and I was really glad to see the parking area. Only one other car parked. The first 2 miles up to Squaw Lake were mostly in the woods with a couple rock-stream crossings. The trail was in good shape with a few muddy spots not helped by a recent horse on the trail. Squaw Lake was open with a pretty campsite and picnic area for a quick break. Thankfully, the horse stopped at Squaw Lake. Snow spots on the trail began beyond Squaw Lake. The meadow area and tarns below Cathedral Rock had more consistent snow, about 2-3 inches, but well stomped down. Tarns were all mostly frozen. Cathedral Pass and intersection with PCT was warm, sunny and melted out. Views were awesome. I walked about halfway to Peggy’s pond (south-facing trail totally dry) just to get a better view and pictures of Mt. Daniel above and Deep Lake below, and then returned to the pass for sunbathing and a snack. Never saw anyone else. About 10 miles RT and 2500 feet up. Great hike and weather!

The plan was ambitious for me: summit Mt Daniel solo, my first such attempt, solo or otherwise. It turned out to be too much, but was a great learning experience and a fabulous trip overall. I do feel good that I turned around due to perceived danger, not due to being tired or lazy. I left the TH at 11 am Sunday, and cruised slowly the 1,500 vf up to Squaw Lake to conserve energy and preserve my hydration level. From there it was another sluggish pace to the PCT junction (800 vf). The first mosquitoes were encountered at the tarns along this stretch. After a short jaunt on the PCT southbound, the Peggy's Pond trail is reached. There is a new trail sign at the junction with the PCT This trail was a challenge. Lots of ups and downs, rocky, small, ball-bearing-like rocks on a tilted trail above a steep cliff, it was "yikes" in a couple of short stretches. It was very hot with the sun beating down and the rocks practically glowing with heat. There were also a couple of tricky scrambling spots that needed care, especially due to the exposure. It may not be much of a challenge to scramblers, but for a marked trail it was pretty intense. It wasn't the short flat-ish path I had imagined from the maps. When I got to the Peggy's pond area and stopped to photograph the first pre-pond, the skeeters attacked all out! It was panic time, getting the repellent out while fighting for my life. Unbelievable. Luckily they stayed at the pondlet when I left, and I found a nice camp spot near to Peggy's. I spent a quiet evening wandering the area and getting in some pictures. Monday was the big day! I left most of my stuff at camp, taking only food, water, and minimum overnite survival items. Plus camera, of course. The first thing I noticed was how cool the whole Peggy's area is, lots of small ponds, meadows, views of surrounding peaks, giant boulders, and wildlife. I knew to take the left turn before going over the tiny ridge that leads to Hyas Creek Basin, and soon I was climbing the SE ridge of Daniel. The trail was very easy to follow, breaking out of the woods and into meadows and boulder fields. Then I also knew to take the "grassy left" to climb up the ridge instead of the spur trail that leads to an overlook of HCB. It gets kind of scrambly after a while, but it was fun and I was totally energized. The next route detail was to avoid the trail that contours to Circle lake. From there on it was up and up, the trail always easily followable with some care, expanding views opening up practically with every step. Then I was on top of the SE ridge, what an awesome place. A worthy destination all by itself, for a hiker. I made may way along the narrowest part, glad there weren't any strong, gusty winds. I made it to the last hump before the snow traverse begins. There was a little bit of actual rock climbing to be done there, I went up that OK, but when I saw the snow traverse, I knew my day was over. Four people had just come across going down, the only people I saw all day, and they all extolled the necessity of an ice ax and crampons for safety. I had neither. I could have crossed and most likely been OK, but the alternative was death. Gulp. I'm not sure I'm ready for that kind of situation yet (if ever). And I knew that crossing one way meant I absolutely had to cross back. I was a bit disappointed, since I was less than 1,000 vf below the summit, and I felt that I easily had that much more oomph in my legs, plus it was only 12:30 or so, plenty of time. Once I got over turning around, the rest of the trip was a blast. I stayed up on the ridge all day, lounging, taking in the views, picnicking, exploring, photographing, working my way slowly back along the ridge, stopping at every interesting view or rock or dead tree. I didn't want to get back to camp before it got cool and drove away the mosquitoes. I was even bothered some on the ridge, but only occasionally. I took so many pictures of Cathedral rock with PP beneath that it was almost funny. Tuesday I figured I had extra time and energy beyond hiking out, so I explored the lower part of Hyas Creek basin. I went to the base of the first headwall, and saw the nice tarn there plus all the awesome boulder fields. I just love basins. I hung out there for three hours even though it was super windy and very cold, even at 1 pm. No mosquitoes! The hike out took 5 hours from the headwall, 2 of those just to get to Cathedral pass because of the rough trail. Today I'm somewhat sore, less than usual for that much vertical gain. Overall the hike was fantastic, and the dry weather, breezes, and generally mild temperatures made for pleasant hiking, something very rare for me when going uphill.

We did the 14 mile loop clockwise, the best way to go so that the last 4 miles were an easy stroll through level woods on the valley floor. We spent Dawn to Dusk on the trail so it was quite nice. Only 3 bugs. No berries down low and up on the crest trail the blue berries were still green. The big creek crossing may be a little scary for novices. Two thumbs way up!