No recent reports of trips to the lake so I thought I would add one.  The few people that use this decommissioned forest road might want to keep it a secret because a hiker has it all to themselves.  I think it is a good idea to at least let people know this is a hike some might find not in their interest.  I am drawn to this region because of the logging history and the ability to see some old growth forest and huge trees. Also, the collapsed log bridge draws my imagination about how it was constructed and used for heavy loads.  

The road has been regraded with of course the tanks traps filled in with new culverts.  Just the road that switch backs up the slope of Rooster Mtn.  Just before the third switch back is the fork for the route to the lake.  Maybe it was intentional, but there is a pile of debris pushed there and the best way is to go past that point and carefully climb down the steep and loamy road cut to the route below.  Next, stop and look at the old bridge.  A rope is hanging there so you can Batman down to the creek in order to get by or edge down the log with the rebar in it, both require some courage.  One of the last crossings has a short goat trail that goes up slope and the hiker can cross some bench rocks.  Beware of a flat rock on the way down because if there is some gravel or dirt on it, well I slipped on it and sat down quite fast with a good look down into the shallow ravine.

My favorite part is a quarter section that was not logged.  Suddenly the hiker is walking by old growth cedars and seeing a stump is rare.  I would like to explore this area sometime for a huge douglas fir, but it is steep and bushy in there.  

At one point a road is visible going up slope to the right, to the left is the main road to the lake.  At this point the main road looks like it heads into slide alder and it does, but it still resembles a road and the hiker can get along.  A few more spots of slide alder grow in areas the road went through some soft soils, so keep an eye out for the tread.

Once the road ends, a fisherman's trail takes you to the lake.  One fallen tree at the beginning requires crawling under and there are a few to saddle over.  The trail meanders a bit, but the is some orange tape left from a missing hiker search and keep the creek to the left.

The lake is shallow now and reedy around the edges.  I didn't notice any fish jumping. The deer and horse flies were annoying so lunch was quick. The area around the lake is old growth, but i'd guess about half the big trees are dead snags.  Well, that is a natural forest for you.

I usually hike this trail in the late summer when the creek levels are low.  Early in the season there are some nice waterfalls, but I'd rather have an easier time crossing the washouts.  

I had plans to head up to Lake Blethen today, but today was not my day. When I came to the first gully you need to cross, I decided to turn around. I found the rope, but my fear of heights got the best of me today. I scouted around a bit, looking for an alternative with less of a falling hazard, but I didn't find one to my liking.

However, I do have a critical piece of information to share. There is work being done on the road. On the one hand, this is great as it makes for smooth sailing. On the other hand, the work crew has pushed a bunch of trees and other debris onto the old road bed, thus obscuring the way. I walked up the road a little and then scrambled down from this road onto the one I wanted to be on. I thought climbing over the mess of trees and rubble would be more difficult.

For today's hike, Miles jumped out of his bulldozer to give us a tour of the road he is re-treading.

Howdy there, fellow adventurers! Miles here, leadin' my trusty crew on a short hike that packed in more action than a jackhammer symphony. I swapped my hard hat for hiking boots and took on the great outdoors after a long day of work. 

Started out at the Snoqualmie Lake trailhead, and let me tell ya, gettin' there was a breeze now that my crew fixed all those potholes.

Jumped onto the newly retreaded road cuttin' through the wilderness. It was a sight for sore eyes, as the drive up the hill would rattle you right outta your seat. I marveled at the contrast between nature's beauty and human engineering.

As the sun started to shink further, we got to a hidden gem – a waterfall cascadin' down like a natural work of art. It was like findin' buried treasure on a construction site. We took a break to cool off, admiring the water's force, just like I admire the power of a well-built foundation.

The journey back down was a bit like navigatin' scaffolding – cautious steps and a whole lot of balance on the gravel. My knees were creakin' like rusty hinges, but we descended in record time.

Conclusion: 

Today proved that even if you spent the day on the worksite doesn't mean a day off from adventure. So remember, whether we're layin' gravel or explorin' trails, we're built for any challenge that comes our way.

Note: generated with the help of chatgpt

Mountaineers scramble up The Ark aka Rooster Mountain

GPS track: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/5614dcdc-a6af-4f1f-9d77-612a290e3f9c/

full trip report with photos: https://www.mountaineers.org/activities/trip-reports/alpine-scramble-the-ark