North Lake — Monday, May. 30, 2016

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

This report covers the North Creek Trail (#413) from the trailhead to North Lake. It does not include the Cedar Creek Trail up to Abernathy Pass, nor the side trails to the mine sites. Currently, there are flowers (Paintbrush, Penstemon) between 1.0 mile and 2.5 miles, in short sections. Deer and bear have been observed in the area at and beyond the ford. All the logs prior to the wilderness boundary at 1.3 miles have been cleared. After that there are at least 55 logs over and along the trail, ranging in diameter from 3” to 20”. There may be more currently unseen under the 2ft of snow near the lake. None of these are a significant impediment to hikers, but many require leaving the trail to get around. Stock has turned around at 2.0 miles due to logs on the trail. There's a good down valley view of Reynolds Peak at 2.4 miles (look back when at the 6ft boulder by the trail). Streams are on the trail at 2.6 miles and 2.9 miles. Farther along the trail, the tread has streams and ponds in it due to snowmelt. Snow starts at 2.7 miles and makes hiking a little more difficult with the additional ups and downs on the mounds of snow. The snow decreases between 4.0 miles and 5.0 miles, the old meadow trail being a better, albeit slightly wet, alternative to staying in the trees at 4.8 miles. After 5 miles, the trail is essentially covered by at least 2 ft of snow. At 3.0 miles, the 4 log crossing over North Creek is currently a waterfall with a steep snow embankment approach from the west side. The “frigid” ford (38degF) is about 10” deep with moderate current and is about 20ft in length. Due to the high water, the ford is the safer way to get across the creek. The campsite just beyond the ford is mostly melted out. The pond at 5.0 miles is completely melted. North Lake is about 30% melted, with a narrow band of dry ground on the north shore.