Day Hike - Rainy Lake

Multiple blowdowns? Check.  Thousands of slippery roots? Check. Devil's club spikes poking at you? Check. Boulders to scramble up/down? Check. Giant sucking mud-pits? Check. Slippery clay outcrops? Check.  Rough trail that goes straight up/down in sections? Check. Vegetable belays required in spots? Check. Snow covered brush to bushwack? Check.  About the only thing missing was the fire swamp and RUSs.  

This route is extremely rough and not recommended for a regular hike.  it is more of a scramble than some scrambles as there are multiple steep, slippery sections that require care when navigation up and down.

8.5 hours to do 8 miles RT.  Weather was dry, a few inches of snow just below the lake. Some great old hemlock trees and a few views across to Mt. Garfield.