Twin Lakes (Wenatchee), Twin Lakes - Monte Cristo — Saturday, Jul. 29, 2000

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

Poodle Dog Pass Trail is wretched. Fortunately, trail reconstruction has started, so contact the Verlot information center about restrictions. Once you get onto the Twin Lakes Trail above Poodle Dog Pass, trail conditions are gratefully better. There are some snow patches, some steep enough to suggest carrying an ice axe, but for the most part the trail is clear and easily followed. There appears to be a recent rockslide that has wiped out the trail. Beware that these rocks are very unstable. Twin Lakes are mostly deep blue and should be completely thawed shortly. (Silver Lake on the other hand is still frozen white.) If you are venturing to the summit of Columbia Peak, you will find the climber's path mostly dry with wildflowers in profusion. The climber's path on Columbia's west spur is glorious hiking.