High Point

Avalanche Lily

The first leg of the hike from Narada Falls to Reflection Lakes is a series of switchbacks gaining approximately 400 feet in elevation.  Relatively steep, this section was partially snow covered until I reached the high point on the trail (about 3/4 mile - 1.2km).   The sun was shining that day and there were a number of Avalanche Lilies blooming along the side of the trail.  There were a half-dozen downed trees but none of them impassible. 

The view from the high point is tantalizing, but merely a foretaste of the views from Reflection Lakes. As soon as I turned the corner for the final push to the lake, the snow began to be pervasive.  Half following the trail and half pioneering, the snow was solid enough to walk on but a bit interesting in places where the slope was steep.  The last 1000 feet (300m) before crossing the road I had to bail out of the snow and follow the road.  That gave me the opportunity to stumble across some Phlox, a welcome sight.  

Tantalizing View

It was much easier returning to Narada Falls having come from there.   If I had started at Reflection Lakes, I wouldn't have known where to find the trail near the road.  The sign at the road crossing points down to a large snowfield.