A June weekend of springtime backpack-snowshoeing in the Olympics. What a great idea! My brother and I could: (a) hike to the snowline, (b) snowshoe from there to Mildred Lakes, and (c) camp amidst the beautiful mountain scenery.
At some point this trip took a slightly different course. I'm not sure if it was when: (a) we found ourselves clamoring on hands and knees up a rediculously steep, muddy trail, (b) we discovered that a solo hiker with an artificial leg had beaten us to the snowline, or (c) we ended up camping in the mud, snow and rain at Huckleberry Creek, never making it up to the lake, and scarcely seeing anything but clouds all weekend.
Photo: Trailhead campfire the night before our hike...and the last warm, dry moment we would have for the next two days. Adam (left) and Denis at Hamma Hamma campground.
It was a fun weekend nonetheless, and for our subsequent snowshoe trips we scheduled better weather. Mildred Lakes is actually three lakes, where you will meet only the heartiest of hikers, if any. This trail represents a crowd-control technique far superior to any permit system: rough trails. If the trails into the ALW were this tough, we wouldn't be asking ourselves how to limit its use! You can stop short of the heavy climbing and camp along Mildred Creek, about 2.5 miles in. Cross the creek on logs and rocks for the best campsites here. Or climb another 1300' to the ridge, 4 miles, and drop into the lake basin.
3/2000 Tom Howe adds: "Been there many times. The best time to go to Mildred Lakes is at the end of july and before August, when the bugs are not so bad. The fish in the lake are great, on Potskis Balls of Fire eggs."
Stats: 4-5 miles to the lakes. Trailhead elevation 1900', high point 4100' at a ridge, lake elevation 3800'.
Getting There: Drive US 101 on the east side of the Park, and turn west on Hamma Hamma Road. The trailhead is at the end of the road, just past the bridge.
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.
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