I usually try to visit Indian Heaven before the mosquitoes set in. and this year I wanted to go to Lake Wapiki. Since it is the highest of the major lakes in Indian Heaven, I expected snow and brought the snowshoes. I spent the last 9 days in Southern California sun, so I could deal with some more snow. Most of the trailheads for Indian Heaven are now accessible, and I was hoping for a melted lake and a dry spot to camp. I went one out of two on that score. The hike is only 3.5 miles in and 1600 feet up, so it isn't hard, but snow makes it harder.
I didn't use the snowshoes going up - everything was firm, even with the sun out. Full snow coverage started about half way in, though there were many snowbanks earlier. I did use the snowshoes going out, but mostly for traction. The mosquitoes were out at the trailhead. I got 3 or 4 bites in the time it took to put my boots on and fill out the permit.
Didn't get a melted lake
- Lake Wapiki
But I did get my island of non-snow to camp
- melt-out island
- Wapiki Camp
- tree wells
