With the snow level dropping wanted to do a hike to get some glimpses of snow, a lake, and surrounding peaks. Thought people would be interested in the conditions of Annette Lake after the temps dropped.
The forest road has some decent pot holes but easy to avoid most of them. Can’t speak for a low clearance vehicle. The road is short tho so it it’s an issue there is a short stretch of road to navigate. There were 2 charter buses in the lot when we got there at 8:45 but nobody on the trails. We started to hike at 9 with nearly full rain gear but it was just drizzling at this point. The trail was of course wet with puddles in some of the staircases. Streams and waterfalls running hard but able to cross the streams on rocks. A hint of snow started at 2300 ft and progressed along the way. It was wet snow and no need for traction but got slippery in places. Snow was building on the trail at 3000 ft and was 3-4 inches at most at the lake. It was actually snowing close to 3400 ft which is usually better than rain when hiking. The exposed talus fields/avalanche shoots (there are 4 or 5) were passable but the 4th one had an area near a boulder that needs some attention to footing. The lake had some ice and slush on it and a large area near the stream outlet that is not at all snow or ice covered. We huddled under a small tree on the lakeside and had a quick snack and coffee, also put all of our gear on as it was cold. The breeze kicked up and i think some sleet. The dog needed to be bundled as well (he’s little even with a jacket and pack on). Packed up and headed down to a bit more water on the trail, still all passable. Views of surrounding ridge lines and peaked were kind of socked in but still pretty with the snow in the trees. Saw maybe 8 people total. Lot of gear to dry out at home and happy to have packed enough.
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