Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
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Snow Lake & Gem Lake Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington |
August 15, 2013
Having never hiked previously with my sister Ginny and her hubby John
and daughter Claire, this is the big day. It is but a 40-minute
drive from their home up to the trailhead near Snoqualmie Pass east of
Seattle. We have opted for a nearby destination, because my car is
in the shop for diagnosis of overheating problems.
At Alpental Ski Resort
It is completely overcast today, and rain is a strong possibility.
I opt for my #2 camera, which is more moisture-tolerant
than the other one.
Just about ready
Getting started
Somebody didn't clean up after lunch
This Great Tiger Moth must be too cold to fly away
The trail is not friendly; but it isn't steep, either — at least,
not yet.
Into the talus
Ferns to spare
Sitka Mountain Ash
Interesting rock formation
Alpental has been left well behind
My first visit to this wilderness
As we reach a summit, beautiful Snow Lake comes into view. While we admire the view, another party of hikers passes us. The leader is bellowing information at the others, right in our faces; fortunately, the group soon disappears, not to be seen or heard again.
Snow Lake and Wright Mountain
Heading around the right side, we leave the lake shore for a time.
After encountering a couple of trail-maintenance workers, another
lake appears. Oops! It's the same one.
This area was overly used
Back beside Snow Lake
The trail keeps on going
A high-pitched squeak is a sure indication of a pika in the nearby rocks. Because those guys don't tend to hold still, getting a decent photo is problematical.
This pika seems more curious than most
Farther ahead are four more trail-repair persons. Being most grateful for their efforts, we make a point of telling them so.
Trail maintenance crews at work
Presently I spot a nifty log spanning the outlet creek, which is jammed with other logs. This a good spot for a family portrait.
Snow Lake outlet
Claire, Ginny, & John ⇔
The creek itself heads toward Big Snow Mountain, then plunges down a long cascade out of sight.
Too many logs, not enough room
It doesn't look as if it will clear up anytime soon.
Overcoat Peak and Chimney Rock are eight miles away
Having walked nearly two miles getting around Snow Lake, we aren't finished yet:
Two views of the same pond
There's a pretty cascade over there
On past hikes, Ginny always had stopped at Snow Lake and let the others continue; but today, she will attempt to go all the way. Her first task is to traverse a huge scree slope.
Tedious, but not particularly difficult
After trekking much farther than John had indicated to Ginny, our destination does appear; and it is lovely.
Gem Lake
The lunch I have been provided is huge — two turkey and salami sandwiches, apples, gorp, energy bars, and peanut butter cookies.
Nary a hint of breeze
Having finished eating, we count our blessings; for it has not rained on us yet. That situation is about to change.
The clouds are getting lower
All the puddles and ponds are nice to find
I grab a final shot of Snow Lake while I still can:
Now you see it...
...Now you don't
The rain has arrived for real now. Eventually I put on my poncho, and so does John.
All the rocks are wet now, so extra care is necessary.
Unexpectedly, I find that walking in this light rain is rather delightful. For the last two miles, I remove my poncho and enjoy running fingers through the water in my hair.
A blob of Hypocrea
§: This is such beautiful country that one would be
hard-pressed to find a disappointing hike. Today's trail
was rough and rocky most of the way; but somehow that didn't bother me
on this occasion. I guess that being in good company counted for
a lot, and walking somewhat slower than usual helped with the difficult spots.
The Snow Lake Basin is exceptionally scenic. Other options are available as well, such as scaling Wright Mountain for a view of several other lakes and many other peaks.
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