Trip report by Reuben Slasor
Reuben really knows the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and is looking for hiking partners who aren't afraid of a challenge. Reuben's web site is linked on the Bearings page.
I arrived at the parking lot at 8 AM and was happy to only find two other cars there. The hike was very quite and peaceful, I met only a large grouse on the hike to Snow Lake. At Snow Lake I met two women discussing a dreaded tent mosquito that had attacked them. That had removed one car from the parking lot.
When I arrived at Gem Lake, it was all mine, until a solo hiker passed by. He had spent the night at Upper Wildcat Lake and told me that the mosquitoes in the valley beyond the ridge were very hungry. That removed car number two from the parking lot.
I spent about an hour at Gem Lake enjoying the quiet and serene location. The fog that was on the slopes was not going to burn off, so I decided to hike back to Snow Lake. I only passed five people along the way, and one group of three people and a dog were going to Upper Wildcat Lake.
The hike from Snow Lake down to the parking lot was a completely different story. I stopped counting people after fifty, and it was quite obvious this is a popular place to take the kids hiking. I enjoyed this 11 mile day hike, but would recommend getting a very early start if you're looking for solitude. This hike is also very limited for photographs. The lakes and three mountain peaks are all there is to take pictures of. The gray skies and fog that covered the slopes made my photos pretty drab compared to my last trip to Gem Lake.
Photo: Gem Lake (Slasor photo).
Stats: 5 miles, elevation gain 1700', high point 4800'.
Getting there: Take I-90 to exit 52 and park at the Alpental parking lot. The trailhead is across the road, near the gate.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.