I had never heard of Kelcema Lake before Steve suggested a day-ski in late April. We headed up the Mountain Loop Highway and turned on Deer Creek Road, then parked at the first impassable snowbank at about 2600'. We walked the intermittently snowy road a half mile to the snowline, and put on our skis. By the time we reached the switchback at 2880', we were on solid snow and making good time.
Photo: [Top] The snow still reaches the top of the trailhead sign for Kelcema Lake. [Bottom] I begin to ski back across the lake's frozen surface.
This was a beautiful, partly-sunny day, and I soon regretted dressing in my usual cross-country ski apparel (German wool army pants, flannel shirt). We skied up to the summer trailhead parking lot and found the sign (photo) for Kelcema Lake. Then we skied a spur road beyond the trailhead and took a break on a boulder overlooking the valley where we had just ascended.
It's a short trail to the lake, easy to follow even under five feet of snow. The lake is a respectable size, and flanked on the opposite side by jagged peaks. We skied across the frozen lake (other photo) to the inlet and waited for the sun to come out so we could photograph this marvelous scene.
I don't know how busy Kelcema Lake is in the summer, but we did not encounter another soul on this Saturday jaunt. I recommend it as an easy road ski for beginners, and a fun backcountry trail (from the trailhead to the lake) for intermediate skiers.
Getting there: The trail begins at the snowline on Deer Creek Road, roughly 10 miles past the ranger station on the Mountain Loop Highway, near Granite Falls.
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.