We hiked up to Clara Lake with 6 adults and an infant. The snow was about 4 inches deep, but we had little difficulty going up and down the trail. No snowshoes were needed for this trip. The weather was sunny, and the temperature stayed at about 34 degrees. At the top of the trail, the views were amazing. The lake was frozen over enough to walk on. The hike down went much quicker, but it was also pretty slick. I would advise to wear shoes with good traction. Great small hike to go on with the whole family.

Lake was low and partially frozen. Forrested areas were beautiful fall colors.

Terrific fall day hike close to Wenatchee. The trail starts near the gate to Mission Ridge ski area. It heads uphill for 1 mile through pretty forest with views of the trees above turning yellow. The hike levels out a bit after a mile and continues to Clara Lake, which is very low at present. Perfect sunny 65 degree weather and no bugs at all. There is s little trail all the way around the lake, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the sun glinting on the water. There are a couple spots where other unmarked trails head off in different directions. I met another hiker who got me headed the right way to Clara Lake. In mid October the weather is just perfect and the trees with their golden yellow leaves make for a gorgeous sight. Getting to Marion Lake is more of a mystery as there are no signs pointing the way. I chose the most obvious path heading south from Clara Lake that led off into the forest before it petered out, so backtracked to a different path that led to a grassy meadow surrounded by rocks and trees with a large shallow stream running through it. I don't think this was Marion Lake but it was very tranquil. I ventured some more on another unmarked path until I hit the main trail and headed back down. The adventuring made the hike longer than 3.5 miles. Great little hike with little traffic during the week. Could use a sign as you near the lakes to point the way to each since there are lots of paths to choose from, but you can't go too wrong in any direction as beauty surrounds. Will definitely do again!

Each time we go camping I make sure we take the kids on an easy, kid-friendly hike in the area, that provides enough elevation gain to make them work out a bit without whining too much. This time we were staying at Lincoln Rock state park on the Columbia River near Wenatchee and I found this hike to the two lakes next to the Mission Ridge ski area, 3.5 miles round trip and about 900 feet elevation gain, just the kind I was looking for. All kids (ages 4 to 8) had a pretty good time on this one and entertained each other all the way up and down the mountain. There was some whining, not about the hike being too hard, but about who didn't want to play with whom. Once we got to the lakes the kids liked exploring the shores so much the adults had to convince them it was time to leave. When we got in the car for the drive back they instantly passed out. Another successful outing!

Quick hike.