Trip Report
Intermediate Snowshoe - Skyline Lake & Ridge
Nice outing despite low snow year and rain at start
Alina Badus
- Sat, Jan 31, 2026
- Intermediate Snowshoe - Skyline Lake & Ridge
- Skyline Lake, Skyline Ridge & Tye Peak
- Snowshoeing
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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I was anticipating low, potentially hard snow coverage in the trees, but the snow off-trail turned out perfect for traveling up- and downhill on relatively steep slopes. We were able to run the planned trip, tagging two of the minor summits along the ridge.
The lake is sorta frozen, looks a bit slushy in places.
We met at 7:45am in Stevens Lot D. It was raining but forecast to lighten, so nobody objected to going over to the Mountaineers Stevens Lodge and hanging out by the fireplace for an hour or so. By the time we returned to Lot D and the trailhead around 9am, the rain was just a light mist and we were off on our way.
The snow turned out great for off-trail travel - not too icy, not too powdery - and we were able to go up and down slopes as needed, before enjoying lunch at the lake and exploring an igloo that some previous group had constructed. As always, low expectations seem to be the key to success! We made the most of the day, and had a great time. Many thanks to my assistant leader, and also to the entire team for good spirits and good attitudes.
