Distance: 6.9 mi.
Elevation Gain: 2100 ft.
Although this hike can be super avalanche prone in the winter, Abby and I decided to take advantage of a day with low avy danger to trek to this popular spot. We of course had our beacons, shovels, and probes handy and did a beacon check before starting from the Alpental parking lot. We had snowshoes available but decided that the packed trail would be easiest in microspikes.
The lower part of the trail was a gentle rolling westward stroll among some snow-covered trees. Aside from occasional tree bombs, this was a peaceful approach and not overly busy on a Monday. After turning right at the trail split from the Source Lake Trail (which continues straight), the trail steeply switchbacked up a south-facing slope to the ridge above. Even though there wasn’t any fresh snow on this slope, there were still pillows of powdery snow sloughing off from the hill above. The trail was slippery in places and it would be bad to fall here.
Once we gained the ridge, we did some long switchbacks down the north side of the ridge toward Snow Lake. We didn’t have any views at the lake although the low clouds created a cool, mysterious atmosphere. We stopped for a snack at the edge of the lake but we didn’t stay long because there were several gray jays aggressively swooping down at our leftover Christmas cookies. As we climbed back up to the ridge, the skies began to clear just a little and we could see most of the frozen lake. This is a beautiful and accessible winter hike that can be done safely with a bit of preparation.
(Download the free Gaia GPS app on your phone to view tracks and then get a Gaia GPS membership if you want offline access. Discount below!)
Recommended brew: Dru Bru Alpenator Dopplebock
Gear Used:
- Avalanche beacon/shovel/probe
- Day pack
- Gaiters
- GPS
- Hiking boots
- Microspikes
- Trekking poles
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