Trip Report
Day Hike - Margaret Lake
Short moderate hike with some steep sections for interest in sunshine for autumn colors to a lake in the Alpine Lake Wilderness.
Roseanne Lorenzana
- Wed, Oct 2, 2024
- Day Hike - Margaret Lake
- Margaret Lake, Lake Laura, Lake Lillian, Rampart & Lila Lakes
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Driving to TH: After the end of the pavement, FR4832 has washerboard surface and few potholes. The Prius parked next to our SUV in the TH lot attests to the relative meekness of this FS road.
From the parking lot, it's ~0.1 mile further uphill on FS 4832 before reaching the TH for Margaret Lake. However, it's still on a former roadbed for another ~0.5 miles until finally turning onto the forested trail. This is where it becomes steeper and sometimes rocky. The junction with trail to Margaret Lake is wide and large wooden sign clearly indicates the route. Today, trail tread was compact and not muddy even though it had rained the previous evening. Foliage was wet and long sleeves & gaiters appreciated. The only location for careful footing was very close to Margaret Lake where the descending trail is steep and the trail surface is slippery clay.
Along the trail, sunshine and blue sky with vine maple shouting it's autumn reds & oranges from amongst the alder and hemlock. The trail occasionally breaks out to views across Keechelus Lake and the peaks beyond. Evidence of the former clearcut are hardly noticeable anymore. Many fascinating fungi pushing their way through the forest duff and our group spent time to enjoy the colors, shapes and varieties. Before heading back, we had our lunch in the sun at lake's edge while admiring the muted fall colors on the flanks of Mt. Margaret. While there was no one on the trail when we headed out at 9:30, we encountered 2-3 groups heading up the trail upon our return.