About 3.8 miles from the trailhead the road isn't plowed at all. There's about 2 feet of slushy snow on the road at that point. Impassable, even for our 4runner. Need to wait a month or more for that to clear up.

This was my friend's birthday hike, we wanted something mellow and still pretty so we did this as a road walk, parked about 3 1/2 miles down. You can drive all the way to the lake, an SUV with snow tire shouldn't have any problem, we saw more cars than we expected today, Christmas tree hunting I would guess. We just wanted something easy for my friend's exuberant puppy's first hike. This road (#6240 Money Creek) makes a good little hike, lots of waterfalls and Money Creek was roaring strong. On the way we stopped and took a side trail to some old mining artifacts, which was interesting, they're strewn all over, there are lots of old mines in this area and some active claims also. By the time we got to the lake, the ground was fully covered with snow and we did not go around the lake, but it is possible if you're prepared to hike in snow. The little puncheon bridge at the start of the trail is washed out also. We turned around and headed back out, we had birthday treats waiting for us at the car and a tired wet puppy. I should also mention that there is a Road Closure sign for Miller River Rd right at the intersection of Miller River Rd and Money Creek Rd

Road is good until you are almost to the lake. A sort of filled in washout caused me to pause and reconsider continuing (2008 Subaru Forester) Big rocks and low dip.  Guess I was overly cautious as 2 wheel drive sedan was at the lake when I got there.

End of the road/trailhead has no facilities. Old mine, leftover equipment and a pile of tailing is at the end of the road. Trail starts right behind the Lake Elizabeth sign post. After several days of rain the trail was wet, muddy in spots and under water in others. Two low bridge crossings are in need of replacement with sagging, loose and broken boards. Also in spots the trail is covered by bush. At some underwater locations, unsecured limbs have been placed on the trail. At more than one point trail is under running water and higher route through brush is being used. 

IF trail repairs are made, the .7 mile flat loop that starts right by the road, could be a nice hike with small children.  

This could be a senior or scout troop project as it provides many elements for trail building in a short distance. Add a simple shelter for winter snowshoeing, a picnic table, historical information posting about the mine and a little paint over the graffiti for a complete project.

Blog version (disclaimers)

Quick-and-dirty version

Access: Lake Elizabeth
Round Trip: 6.5 miles
Elevation Range: 2840′-5576′
Gear: helmet
Dog-Friendly: no

Route

1. Hike Lake Elizabeth trail to the north end.
2. Leave the path and continue north to reach the boulder gully.
3. Go northeast at 4800', then bypass the cliffs at 5000' from the south.
4. Move northeast, then north, to reach the bouldered summit.
5. Go west on the ridgeline and reach Salmon Red in three-quarters of a mile.
6. Continue west to reach Red Mountain West in three-quarters of a mile.
7. Drop down to Crater Lake and pick up the trail from the outlet to head out.

Highlights

• Smoky views to Index Creek Valley and Money Creek Valely
• Views of Crosby Mountain, Mount Phelps, Mount Index, and other nearby high points
• Solitude

Lowlights

• Vine maple down by Lake Elizabeth
• Krummholz along the ridge crest

The road is currently passable to just short of the S-curves. At that point, there is deep snow across the road. For the 1/2 mile prior, there are rough conditions. Personally, I would take a stock Jeep Wrangler up that. We saw an older stock Subaru Impreza up there, but that was a little ambitious. After a few patches of snow melt, the road will be drivable to past the S-curves - there was plenty of bare gravel.

Lake Elizabeth was still about 50% snow covered.

Past Lake Elizabeth, there is one deep snow gully across the path where a stream crosses. The snow had been undercut, so it took some care to cut some steps into the snow and transport our gear across the stream.

We camped at Crater Lake, which was still 90% under snow.