Beautiful day for snowshoeing in the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. We took the Snow Lake Winter route to the ridgeline saddle (shoulder of Chair Peak) and returned via the Source Lake winter route. Got one of the last parking spots and hit the trail at 10am.

Perfect alignment of no work, reasonably stable snowpack, and an excellent weather window (sunny & cold). **Please be advised this route travels through avalanche terrain - gear and expertise required**

The trail was dry packed powder, so we booted until above Source Lake, then put our snowshoes on. While we climbed to the ridgeline, skiers shredded powder in the chute adjacent to Bryant Peak and below Chair Peak. What a fantastic day for everyone.

After lunch on top, we took the Source Lake Winter route back. Today was one of those gorgeous days that make you feel warm inside and we took it all the way home.

Two of us did a 3 mile r/t snowshoe to Source Lake. Mostly stayed in the trees and followed some established trails we found trying to stay out of the way of the backcountry skiers, which were the majority of the trail users. Route finding GPS always helps on this trail in the snow and every time we do this snowshoe we go a different route, always checking the avalanche forecast prior and being cautious. We did find the falls on the way and had lunch around mid-day overlooking Source Lake. We caught a paragliding backcountry skier as we sat for lunch and would be happy to share some photos we took of this adventurous person if they see this.

Found insulated water bottle half way up the trail. 

If its yours, I'm in the greater Seattle area.

Found Insulated Water Bottle. Let me know if you lost one, we can meet up in greater Seattle.

The trail from the trailhead to the major split is all packed and easy to walk even without snowshoes. Most people were turning around here (which still makes a nice day). Once you split, the trail conditions change dramatically. Recent avalanches have taken out the trail on both routes. Source Lake is easier and can be accessed via the lower route too. Not much to see as the lake is mostly covered so don't worry if you don't make it all the way.

If you plan on going to snow lake, you need appropriate gear, navigation skills, and experience until someone cuts the trail or more snow falls. It's pretty vertical on the last set of switchbacks and the snow conditions weren't making the climb very easy.

Been to Source Lake many times over the years on foot, tele-skis and downhill skis, but today's conditions seemed like a good day to try with snowshoes for a loop: up the winter trail, traversing above Source Lake, then back the summer trail.

CONDITIONS

• Weird mix of snow today, from crust to soft, dry to wet
• Lots of wet snow slides and rollers on south facing slopes ( summer route ), some recent, but did not see anything new today
• Source lake basin snow levels were good, though less then I expected
• Gear
  • Winter route upward: Trail packed to Source Lake, didn't need traction or snowshoes
  • Above Source Lake: Snowshoes or skis needed
  • Summer route downward: Switched to traction ~3800' as faster

Please note that anyone who has seen the massive avalanche debris paths at Source Lake will attest that this area is no joke when the avalanche conditions are bad.  Check out NWAC, and recent reports, before leaving.

ACCESS

• Normal "winter route" starts at the far end of the uppermost Alpental parking lot. When Alpental is open this lot is reserved for passholders. You can also start from the lower lot anytime, which I believe is open to all
• On a sunny holiday Monday, with Alpental closed: Upper lot ~80 cars, 25% full

TRAIL

• Bit of a zoo at the start of the trail, but the crowds quickly petered out.  That said, still a fair number of folks out and about in the valley
• There are three main routes, we went up the winter route, then as felt comfortable with the conditions, traversed high around source lake, then took the summer route back...

DOWNHILL "RETURN" ROUTE ( upper lot )

• When the ski area is open I'd stay away from this as folks are coming around blind corners at speed, and uphill travel is not allowed at those times ( except for the shared section described below ).
• Lots of backcountry skiers using this route as is the fastest route

WINTER ROUTE ( upper lot )

• To me I think this is the prettiest and feels the safest of the three
• You start by sharing the lower section with the downhill return, but keeping to the side of the trail to avoid collisions  
• At some point you will need to cross to the north side of the creek, there are usually some boot paths to follow, or follow your GPS.
• Be careful with the creek crossings as snow levels still low, if in doubt try the next one
• At about 3500' things kick upwards, but never steep
• There is a pretty cool waterfall overlook to be found, but I seem to only be able to find it every other time :)
• At about 3700' things start to level out as you make your way to Source Lake
• The Source Lake overlook ( south side ) is a great space for lunch, with a panoramic view of the basin
• We felt comfortable with the snowpack, so traversed on open slopes  above source lake, to connect with the summer route. You could also connect by traversing below the outlet, snow bridges permitting.
• When not on skis please try to stay to the side of the skin tracks so backcountry skiers aren't affected

TRAIL: SUMMER ROUTE ( middle/lower lot )

• This is a nice trail, but does cross a lot of slide paths, so I would only do in safe conditions
• One creek was bare, but easy to cross
• Good views across to the Alpental Back Bowls ( as they call them now apparently )
• Trail ends at the middle lot, with a quick return back up the road to the upper lot