July 16-18 Mt Margaret Backcountry via Norway Pass
Posted: July 19th, 2019, 9:08 am
Guessing if you’re reading this you already know about the incredible vistas, flowers and natural diversity on this loop, so I will just focus on conditions. There are multiple (permit only) camps up in the area so need to check on what's available for where you might be heading - website info includes water availability.
My buddy and I headed up on Tuesday to Dome Camp from the Norway Pass trailhead. Washout on Norway pass between the intersection of the now closed Independence Ridge trail and the intersection of Norway and the Boundary. Might be challenging for some to work around, but it is do-able. Minimal spattering of snow patches - no special gear needed for them. Trail visible at all times. Water available in Dome camp - there is a spring.
(Side note. We were the only people at Dome. If you get a permit and don’t use, please let them know.)
Wednesday we hiked from Dome Camp over to Snow Lake via Coldwater and the Lakes Trail. We had lots of rain and wind, so mosquitoes were not a bother. But they are just waiting for better weather. Lots of them. The landslide noted by authorities is still there and there is actually more than one. They are short and not too bad to work around. Lakes trail is maintained up until the first slide and then things get weedy for awhile. We were told maintenance crews would be back up there by next week. Trail not always visible in the not yet visited by trail crew area and is rocky. Helpful to have GPS through this section. Snow Lake has plenty of water. Lake and stream. Beautiful camp.
Thursday from Snow Lake back out Norway. Trail visible, some overgrowth but nothing crazy, couple small water crossings (very easy), trail visible.
Overall, trails we walked were in good condition except for the slides and small sections of weediness. Fairly exposed in many areas.
Minimum navigational needs are a good topo or Green Trails map. GPS very helpful in some sections. Many of the junction signs are a bit cattywampus and/or have fallen off the posts so it’s necessary to have at least a map to help confirm your turn at any junction. (One couple we talked to had spoken with a group that was completely lost the day we hiked in, so, yes, it can happen).
Beautiful area to explore.
My buddy and I headed up on Tuesday to Dome Camp from the Norway Pass trailhead. Washout on Norway pass between the intersection of the now closed Independence Ridge trail and the intersection of Norway and the Boundary. Might be challenging for some to work around, but it is do-able. Minimal spattering of snow patches - no special gear needed for them. Trail visible at all times. Water available in Dome camp - there is a spring.
(Side note. We were the only people at Dome. If you get a permit and don’t use, please let them know.)
Wednesday we hiked from Dome Camp over to Snow Lake via Coldwater and the Lakes Trail. We had lots of rain and wind, so mosquitoes were not a bother. But they are just waiting for better weather. Lots of them. The landslide noted by authorities is still there and there is actually more than one. They are short and not too bad to work around. Lakes trail is maintained up until the first slide and then things get weedy for awhile. We were told maintenance crews would be back up there by next week. Trail not always visible in the not yet visited by trail crew area and is rocky. Helpful to have GPS through this section. Snow Lake has plenty of water. Lake and stream. Beautiful camp.
Thursday from Snow Lake back out Norway. Trail visible, some overgrowth but nothing crazy, couple small water crossings (very easy), trail visible.
Overall, trails we walked were in good condition except for the slides and small sections of weediness. Fairly exposed in many areas.
Minimum navigational needs are a good topo or Green Trails map. GPS very helpful in some sections. Many of the junction signs are a bit cattywampus and/or have fallen off the posts so it’s necessary to have at least a map to help confirm your turn at any junction. (One couple we talked to had spoken with a group that was completely lost the day we hiked in, so, yes, it can happen).
Beautiful area to explore.