A perfect hike for cloudier days!

We all wish for our days off to be blue bird days full of sunshine, but in reality, many are cloudy. But that shouldn’t stop you from hitting the trails! This moderate level hike to the lake is great for one of those cloudier days.

We did this hike in winter and it was fantastic. All the trees and the ground were covered in billowing, fluffy snow that looks like never-ending, marshmallow pillows. It’s amazing how the snow can build up so much on the tip of a tree or along a rocky ledge. Looks precariously perched. Couldn’t resist jumping up and trying to knock some off several times along the way!

cloudy-winter-hike — You always hope you'll knock down all the snow and it will come showering down. Usually all you get is a sprinkle.

Trail Specs

The trail is an out-and-back, 13.9km total trip. The ascent from the parking lot to the lake winds through a beautiful forest at a gradual but constant incline. Some twists and turns and some switchbacks.

The hike is popular enough that the snow on the trail is packed down and easy to walk on. It can be done in just hiking shoes, but microspikes, yaktrax or something of the sort is recommended. I’ve got a pair of Kahtoola micro spikes that I absolutely love. It just saves you slipping half a step back every time you take one step forward. And it makes coming down a hell of a lot easier and safer. I was actually running, jumping and skipping on the way down (which made my calves ache! the next day)
On weekends, trail traffic can be quite full, especially with cross country skiers. Be aware, especially as you round corners, as they come zipping down. And if cross country skiing is your thing, this is a great spot for it. Weekdays are pretty quiet.