The following trip report is provided by and available on the Washington Trails Association website. Thanks to “Chuck” for the excellent report and beautiful pictures.

WTA Trip Report – Townsite & Silver Lake – February 28, 2015

We parked across the street from the Barlow pass parking lot and walked about 100 feet to the Monte Cristo road. The log crossing next to the old bridge was a breeze, its a BIG log! The trail was easy enough all the way to the old town ( thanks guy with the really spicy beef jerky and cheese from Oregon ) then the hiking began. All was good until we hit the snow, the trail was covered but we kept on through about 8 inches of snow for about 1 mile, difficult but do able without poles or yaktrax. Only saw 4 other hikers on the trail to the lake, we were the first ones up there on Saturday obviously. So quiet up there I know why they call it silver lake now. My pedometer read just shy of 11 miles round trip.

Trail to Silver Lake

Silver Lake – Frozen and snow covered

“Chuck” resting with Silver Lake in the background

Heading towards Poodle Dog Pass / Silver Lake Trail from the Monte Cristo Townsite.