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August
7, 2002
The
trail begins at Coldwater Lake Boat Launch and follows north shore
of Coldwater Lake leading to Coldwater Creek crossing for 3.8 miles.
Coldwater Lake is in the Restricted Zone area, therefor the access
to the lake shore is limited to several locations. In about 0.6
mile the trail passes the bridge over Coldwater Creek at the junction
with Coldwater Trail #230
.
The trail gradually climbs for about 0.1 mile, crosses a small creek
and continues on climbing along the Coldwater Creek. In about 1
mile it passes by a nice waterfall. The trail gets steep and narrow
as it climbs on a rocky slope overlooking the creek valley. In about
0.7 mile it crosses a pumice field and reaches a creek that streams
down form the Heart Lake. After another 0.2 mile the trail evens
up giving you a chance to look at the magnificent Mount Whittier
rising up high above the valley .
From here the trail climbs in switchbacks, at times very steep,
for about 0.7 mile, as it crosses several washouts. The trail evens
up for some time and then continues the steep climb for another
0.7 mile along the side of the slope. It crosses a creek, climbs
for another 0.2 mile and turns onto the north slope and enters a
valley. With little elevation gain the trail continues for another
0.3 mile to Snow Lake. The lake is not very big. Expect to find
snow on the west shore even later in summer .
On the east shore there are two tentbeds as well as a backcountry
toilet.
From
the Snow Lake the trail climbs steeply for about 0.5 mile to Pleasant
Pass. There is a junction there - Mount Whittier Trail #214 goes
to the right. Lakes Trail continues on offering a view of the Shovel
Lake .
In about 0.3 mile the trail reaches a junction with Shovel Lake
Trail #211C that provides access to the lake. The trail turns onto
the north side of the ridge providing a great view of the Mount
Rainier, Mount Adams and Green River valley. The trail turns south
and in 0.2 mile reaches a crest between Shovel Lake and Panhandle
Lake .
Zigzagging downhill for 0.3 mile the trail crosses a creek
and reaches a camp on the west side of the Panhandle Lake. This
pretty lake offers good fishing. The trail continues on ascending
the slope over the lake and in about 0.1 mile reaches another spur
that leads to camp area on the east shore. The camp is very inviting
with a nice beach. Backcountry toilet is available. In about 0.2
mile the trail reaches a saddle that offers you a last glimpse of
the Panhandle Lake and a view of the Obscurity Lake .
Switchbacking
on the slope the trail descends to Obscurity Lake. It passes by
a beautiful waterfall and in 0.3 mile reaches a creek crossing.
From here a short spur leads to the Obscurity Lake camp. The trail
crosses the creek, climbs up hill for some time, then evens up and
in about 0.5 mile turns onto the south slope. With gradual elevation
gain the trail continues on for another 0.5 mile to a small creek.
Climbing for another 0.4 mile the trail leads to Grizzly Lake .
This pretty lake is not very big with lots of floating logs in it.
The trail crosses the Grizzly Creek and starts a steep 0.5 mile
ascend to the top of the ridge overlooking the lake. The trail evens
up for some time, turns onto the south slope and ascends, at times
steeply, to Bear Pass. Mount Rainier is in a view
all the way up the Bear Pass. An excellent view opens up form this
location - Mount St. Helens ,
Spirit Lake, Mount Hood and Mount Adams are all in front of you!
An easy 0.1 mile descend brings you to the junction with Boundary
Trail #1.
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