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11.5 miles of hiking • 2250' elevation gain •

Made the loop clockwise. I started late (watched sunset 5 miles in) and finished by moonlight. There was an inch or two of snow on the ridge SE of the lake - it was so bright I almost didn't use my flashlight! Could see all surrounding mountains and MSH was rising above Johnston Ridge like a white cloud. Very still and quiet, magic night...

Comments

Woodswalker hearts this trip.

Woodswalker
December 2, 2015

It was a perfect day to be there. We were thinking about doing the loop that day, but had heard that the waterfall was currently not passable. Sounds like it was fine since you made it around safely. We were back at the car by 4.

Roman
December 6, 2015

The waterfall (does it have a name?) was running good, but not much stronger than normal; I crossed it with dry feet. This creek's "watershed" is pretty small and its levels drop significantly after a dry day.

Roman
December 6, 2015

I was still glad I didn't do the section down at lake in the dark - the trail is partially washed out in places, the netting they used to keep trail bed is now peeling off and can trip a hiker in the dark. Nothing major there, but it would slow me down; in contrast, the upper half of the loop is in great shape and was very easy to navigate even at night.

Woodswalker
December 7, 2015

Thanks!