The snow levels surprised us as we made our way up and around the mountain. For some reason, we expected more, even though it is early February. Stopping at the Twin Lakes campground, we began mapping out our route for today’s snowshoe trek. We would get on to the Pacific Crest Trail as it crossed Highway 26, and walk the trail southeast, then double back to the north until we hit the Twin Lakes trail. Our plan was to drop down into lower Twin Lakes.

The trail is well marked and we had no trouble finding our way. Few people had made their way out to the lakes today, and it was very quiet. Having not snowed at this relatively low level in several weeks the snow, while plentiful, was quite hard making me wonder at times if the snow shoes might be a little bit of an overkill. But the closer we got to the lakes the better the snow became and we were soon enjoying relatively soft and white snow-pack. The forested trail opens quite suddenly into the clearing where the lake normally ripples. But for now, the entire lake appears as one clear, open meadow of snow. Even with no water to be seen, we knew it was there somewhere, and we kept a watchful eye while we skirted the shoreline next to the trees. The lake basin was full of a low lying fog when we arrived, and made our way to the farthest side for lunch. There we sat, and ate, and watched the fog clear and then reappear. Then, the snow began to fall. What a treat that was. The snow came down all the while as we trekked back to the car, falling heavier and heavier as we went. We picked up the pace as we approached the car as the heavy snow transitioned into more of a snowy rain. All told, a little more than 4 miles in the snow. Another great walk in the woods!