Overhiked, overused, overcrowded, but worth it! Snow Lake is accessible, making it a very popular trail – the most popular in the Alpine Lakes area. I opted for a noon start, risking lack of parking for a less crowded hike up. Ended up being a good call, as my noon, many parties were leaving and descending. Finding parking was not an issue. By noon there were significantly many more parties descending, than going up the trail. The trail is in great shape. Gently ascending, you will pass several peaks in the Alpental Ski area – Denny, Bryant, and Chair to the Right, Guye Peak, Cave Ridge, Snoqualmie Mountain and Avalanche Mountain on the right as you descend into the lake basin. Additional peaks you will see are Roosevelt Mountain at the end of the Lake and Kaleetan Peak in the saddle between Chair Peak and Roosevelt.
I descended into the lake basin and passed the initial shore access area just past the toilet, continuing on towards the trail to Gem Lake. There are many areas to access the lake with fewer crowds, so pushing on another quarter to half a mile may yield more accessible and less crowded spots. I passed two people packing in inflatable kayaks. The next trip will include a visit to Gem Lake as well as climbs of Roosevelt and other surrounding peaks.
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/track-jul-28-04-08-pm–3
