Home > Trip Reports > Nov 21, 2015, Hidden Lake

Nov 21, 2015, Hidden Lake

11/21/15
WA Cascades East Slopes Central
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Posted by Kenji on 11/22/15 6:31am
We headed out toward Green Mountain Friday 20th on David's Westfalia, got stopped by large fallen trees across the road at about a few miles from the turn off.  We then tried Huckleberry, this time the road was washed out completely at one point. Back on the main road, we headed North to Hidden Lake.  The Cascade River road had some branches along, but nothing big to stop us. But as soon as we got on the HL road, had to start clearing fallen trees/branches.  Probably spent a few hours stopping a dozen times.  David had a hand axe and came handy, but a 8" trunk took us over a half hour to chop.  Eventually made it to the last switchback for the night.  We had a quick ski on the last mile before dinner.

Three other groups followed us Saturday.  There was enough snow in the open for skinning, but the snow higher had crust under and big boulders were not covered.  We turned around at the saddle looking down the lake.  Found some soft snow patches for fun turns, but mostly loud crust, or breakable.  Thinking the skiing couldn't be worse than the way we came up, we decided to take a direct route through the forested ridge down to the car.  Well it got harder ending up plunge-stepping for the last 1500'.

An interesting overnight trip, a good workout with gorgeous views.  We decided it's good to begin our ski expectations low.  It's all uphill from here. 







A few more pics here.
Beautiful pictures, as always.


Really spectacular photos on your Smugmug site!  Thanks for the great trip report!

WOW!  Stunning photos...thanks

Roads! Access is such a roadblock.

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nov-21-2015-hidden-lake
Kenji
2015-11-22 14:31:58