Annette Lake

April 30, 2016

I hiked to Annette Lake with our group last year, so this was an opportunity for me to check my level of conditioning over where I was this same time last year. The trail isn't overly difficult, but does have notable elevation gain over a longer distance that we've done so far this year. The trail climbs fairly steadily over the first 2/3, with the steepest portion coming in the middle. I felt I was prepared for both the distance and the gain, as were my fellow hikers, and was really looking forward to seeing the lake again. 

Trip reports had stated there were a few spots with snow over the trail, and that there was still snow at the lake. This, in combination with the day's sunny forecast, excited me - I was picturing the lake with snow on the peaks/ridges that border her, blue skies and fluffy clouds overhead. Majestic visions still dancing in my head, we hit the trail and began our ascent.

The trail to Annette Lake is home to waterfalls, Humpback Creek and a few smaller streams. It carries you through forest that is littered with storm damage from this past winter's storms, with only a few trees across the trail. In the forest canopy, varied thrush whistled greetings. Humpback creek soon overtook the sounds of traffic on nearby I-90, and then it happened - we were enveloped in the quiet hush of the forest. As the trail meandered upwards towards the lake, I was pleased that we only needed to pause to catch our breath twice. Not counting the 'Otto' moments where we stopped for photos, of course.

I caught a glimpse of the ridge that runs parallel to the ridge we were climbing and got excited. Last year the face of that opposing ridge was bare rocks interspersed with a few copses of trees. This year there were areas of snow mixed in, and the morning sky above was a beautiful blue. I was excitedly anticipating the view from the ridge face I knew we would soon be traversing along. I had no idea what actually lay in wait for us up ahead.

We came to the first of the snow on the trail, laughing and joking with comments like "OMG, we're all going to die!" These were just small little patches, a few inches deep, covering the trail that were easily crossed. Mother Nature, never one to be laughed at or taken lightly, chuckled to herself, for up ahead of us where there is a trail across the face of the ridge during summer, lay nine large snowfields. Let me clarify ... these were 50-200 yards across, on a 40+ degree slope, icy in places, squishy & slick in others, some with buried trees to climb over while not losing your footing in the snow, and up to three feet deep in places.



Making my way across one of the snowfields

Eventually we made it across and finished up our trip with a leisurely stroll through a snowy forest before arriving at our destination. Annette Lake was mostly covered in snow, as were the peaks that stand guard, keeping an ever vigilant watch over her. The scene was just as beautiful as I had pictured in my mind. We found a sunny spot in which to eat our lunch, warm up and unwind. The varied thrushes continued to call to us, and a gray jay alit on a nearby branch hoping for a handout. Other hikers began to appear along the shoreline and we could hear occasional chatter; a dog frolicked on the icy surface of the lake.

Our time at the lake drew to a close so we again donned our packs and started our trip back down the trail. The afternoon sun, as well as the additional hikers, softened the surface of the snowfields, making for a slightly easier crossing. When we reached the relative safety of the solid trail, a small cheer went out. From here it was a three-mile, knee-busting descent to our vehicle.

Last year I stated that this trail is worth hiking, if you are physically up to the distance and elevation. I still stand by that statement. Annette Lake, although a popular trail, never disappoints. I would, however, recommend waiting until summer. Although you will be sharing the trail with more hikers, dogs, and bugs, you'll enjoy the trip more.




Enjoying a hot cup of cocoa lakeside.

Hike 20 of 52.
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1400'