3.69 miles round trip. 650' elevation gain total. Snow all the way, some form of traction recommended along with poles. Snowshoes not needed until more fresh powder comes along. Crampons worked well on compacted trail. 3 hours total with long lunch break at the Lake. Forecast was for rain, but as we approached Alpental Exit (#52)at Snoqualmie Pass the sky was just overcast and didn't look like rain. Parked at the uppermost lot at Alpental next to the trailhead Source Lake (water tower road). Snow was pretty solid with just an inch or two over the harder crust. Snowshoes were not needed as the trail was hard packed all the way. Wore Katoolah micro-spikes for traction, but carried snowshoes and crampons just in case. Trail was easy to follow. The only challenging portion is gaining the 120-140 feet of elevation at the waterfall near the middle of the hike. Traction and a handy axe was reassuring making it up the hard packed snow for those steep 140 vertical feet. Arrived at the lake and found two partial snow caves there, so we set about digging one out with a "snow claw" to make a shelter from the wind and rain while we ate lunch there at the lake. Ours was the only car at 10:30am, and when we returned around 2pm there were a total of 4 cars. Saw no one going in to the Lake and had the lake to ourselves for a good 1/2 hour or more. A 2-party group arrived as we were getting ready to head back. They came down to Source Lk from the upper summer trail through the avalanche chute below Chair Peak, not exactly the recommended trail for winter, but they were young and "brave." The only other hiker we saw was a lone snowshoe lady on the return trail. A very quiet day and it was great. The rain finally hit about 1PM and the return trip was in pretty much constant rain and about 38 degrees. More pictures of the hike and route here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33346716@N03/sets/72157625774936577/

Weekend activities are synonymous with full parking lots and lots of company on the trails. This was no exception. Too many people and unleashed dogs were encountered at the beginning. Skiers and snowshoers tried to share the trail. Some people eventually veered off in a different location with different goals in mind. The snow was thick and fluffy. If my husband hadn't pointed out where the lake was, I wouldn't have known as it was almost 100% covered. I found out later that there was a waterfall on the way, and would have liked to have seen it. The dogs had a great time running around and making their own trail after we found a secluded spot to have a break and let them loose to dispense some of their energy.

We parked at the Alpental Parking lot and followed the South Fork Snoqualmie River. (The map calls it a river but it looks like a stream to me!) After passing Source Lake we climbed the avalanche chute to the pass. We traversed the ridge above Snow Lake. The wind and snow had blasted the trees into strange and wonderful shapes. After lunch, we descended the avalanche chute to the Source Lake Trail. After the intersection with the Snow Lake Trail we grew tired of the noisy hordes and descended to the river again. We followed the river to the parking lot. The snow was crusty and icy. Temps in mid 30's. It was a lovely loop with great views and a wonderful work out. For more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34457823@N04/sets/72157623244463095/

It was a special day of sorts so a sunny, snowy hike was in order since skiing just does not make sense on boilerplate surfaces. Suckered a friend in on the very chilly adventure but the summer trail gets plenty of sun at this time of year. CAUTION: The summer trail to Snow/Source Lake is definitely subject to avalanche conditions and the debris fields, that is plural, we crossed were evidence of the power and number of areas along the trail where danger can definitely lurk. We had intended to try for either Snow or the ridge but the very stiff snow conditions without real crampons probably would not be advisable. There were a few water ice crossings and they needed caution, too. Some nice frozen waterfalls both small and larger. At the junction we headed up the switchback, the end of the first switchback was across a debris field and steeper slope and the next switchback got narrow and icy and yak traks were not the tool of choice. We turned around and back at the junction headed up the broken trail to above Source Lake where sun and lunch were enjoyed. Saw two skiers carrying skis from below but never saw then use them. Headed back to the car enjoying the sun when we passed open areas. The waterfall area not far from the trailhead echoed with voices and we saw two ice climbers plying their skills. Saw another two skiers right at the trailhead - not happy about the conditions. Frankly, there were NO conditions. I think one of them mentioned "bobsled run." Sounds like the icy snow will continue for a while longer but maybe new snow over the weekend or next week. Repeating CAUTION: Again, the summer trail should only be snow hiked under special conditions of stability. Folks have been killed by avalanches along this route and not just at Source Lake but along the main trail.

Yup - just hiking while carrying snowshoes. The day was glorious and while chilly, there really was not much of any breeze making it more tolerable. The snow was firm and to a knoll above Source Lake, at least, snowshoes served only as ballast on my pack. Nursing a cold, I decided to turn back after a bit of lunch rather than hoof it up to the ridge saving energy for perhaps another day in the mountains tomorrow. The camera is in the basement, two floors away and so pictures will not be shared this time around. Tired after coming home it was still too nice and I walked Greenlake... Enjoy the mountains and the clear and cold. New snow would be nice to return to skiing but a sunny day in the mountains is still wonderful. Ahhhhhh, I wanted to see what things looked like so hiked down to the basement.