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July
11, 2000
Follow
Snow Lake Trail for 3 miles to the trailhead.
The
trail begins at the junction with Snow
Lake Trail #1013 on the northeast side of the Snow Lake. The
trail goes along the northern side of the lake and then starts climbing
up, at times quite steeply. There is still a lot of snow there,
so look for footprints and also for notches on the trees not to
lose the trail. In about 2 miles the trail reaches Gem Lake  .
Main trail continues to the right around the northeast side of the
lake. There is still a lot of snow there, only one campsite is now
snow free. Campfires are prohibited near the lake. The lake
is about 90% frozen.
A
short non-maintained trail leads to the summit of the Wright Mountain
along its northeast slope. On a sunny day the view of the mountains
and the valley can be very beautiful.
In another 0.5 mile the trail starts descending from the ridge in
steep, short switchbacks at times offering a view of the valley.
This part of trail is snow free. In about 1.2 miles of descend the
trail reaches a small lake and continues down. There is still some
snow before the lake. The trail crosses a small creek and comes
to a large snowfield on the rocky slope. When crossing the snowfield
look for stone cairn at the edge of the forest. Another 0.3 mile
leads you to Lower Wildcat Lake .
The lake shores are grown with bushes and the only easy access to
the water is near the campsite. The trail goes pass a campsite,
crosses a small creek and in about 300 feet reaches a short, brushy
spur leading to the right to the lake.
The
trail to the Upper Wildcat Lake continues to the left, ascending
through the woods for about 0.7 mile and after creek crossing brings
you to the Upper Wildcat Lake .
This part of the trail is non-maintained and the trail is hard to
see at times. Make sure you continue along the creek. Surrounded
with beautiful mountains and Mount
Roosevelt rising on the west, with clear green water, and a
pretty island this lake is really worth your effort. There are several
nice campsites along the east side of the lake.
From
here a non-maintained trail leads to Lake Caroline and Mt. Roosevelt.
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