Too early to try Cast Lake from McNeil Campground?

[poppacouch]

Hi - I'm itching to get a tough hike in. I'm considering going up to Cast Lake via McNeil campground (with a few friends), putting us at about 4,400" overnight this Memorial weekend.

This hike:
https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guid ... Creek_Hike
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail ... -cast-lake

But - is it too early? How much snow remains on the trail?
Not really wanting to trudge through a lot of snow - not snowshoeing.

If this is a bad idea, any alternate recommendations. Would like to get to lake/river and get a decent hike in. Doesn't have to be major elevation - could just be some miles.

One alternative considered:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail ... iver-trail

Thanks!

[retired jerry]

http://adamschneider.net/hiking/snow_depth.html says it's snowfree, barely

you'll probably encounter some patches of snow

my favorite spot is just west of East Zigzag, but you have to haul water, closest is probably near junction of Cast Lake trail at Zigzag Trail. Might be snow free. You might have to move a little snow out of the way.

about time to start expecting bugs

[poppacouch]

Thanks for the response and the link to the snow levels!
Still planning to give it a go. Will follow up with an update...

[retired jerry]

that should be a good trip

[poppacouch]

Trip report:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=28214