Snow Lake

We hiked up to Snow Lake today. The snow was well packed and there was very little snow in the avalanche chutes. This is a 7.2 mile round trip hike with 1,800 ft of elevation gain.
The trail starts across from the Alpental Ski area. The trail was well packed down and  icy from the beginning of the trail, so we wore microspikes.
My phone camera wouldn't work today, so I'm using my friends photos.

The snow covered peaks were beautiful.



The clouds moved around the peaks today.

Between the beautiful peaks and the icicles hanging from the rocky cliffs, we spent quite a bit of time on the switchbacks up to the pass, taking in the views and taking lots of photos.

When you read the saddle above the switchbacks, the trail enters the Alpine Lake Wilderness.

View of Snow Lake from a rock outcropping up on the saddle.












Views of Snow Lake as we descend down to the lake basin.

The trail in the lake basin was a winter wonderland!

The trail crosses an inlet to Snow Lake, we decided to take the side trail down to Snow Lake before continuing on the trail.

View from the inlet towards Snow Lake.

















Wide angle view of Snow Lake from the end of the side trail:

view looking across to the left













Back to the trail junction, the trail continues around to the north side of the lake, crossing on boulders in the inlet.

We continued until we reached a promontory on the north side of the lake. Looking across to Wright Peak.

Pano of Snow Lake looking southwest from the promontory:

On our return, the boulder crossing of the inlet.

There were some bulbous icicles along the edge of the inlet.

















Looking back at Snow Lake as we hike back up to the saddle:

Today was a wonderful day in the mountains!!!