Colchuck TH conditions?

[jakedouglas]

I saw a mention from a few weeks ago, but does anyone have more recent info about whether the gate is open and what the condition of the road and trail is? I also don't remember how far it is from the gate to the TH if it's closed, as I've only been up there once.

 

Thinking of skiing the glacier this weekend. I'm guessing that the lake is probably no longer bomber to cross?

 

Thanks

[Pete_H]

I'm guessing its still gated but you can call the Ranger office in Ltown to get the most current scoop. The TH is five miles in. I would bet the lake is still good to cross on skis.

[CouleeClimber]

UPDATED April 19, 2013

 

Icicle Road

7600 Open to Chatter Creek, then closed due to mud and snow. Road will continue open further up, in stages.

 

Spring is here, but be prepared for seasonal road closures lasting well into April /May on many roads... even longer in the higher elevations. We try to open up forest roads in stages, (as the snow melts and roads dry out some), whenever possible. Please stay off wet roads will mud, as it will cause significant damage to the road bed, and also increases the chances of getting stranded.

 

 

I plan on camping out at Colchuck in a couple weeks, then hopefully a Dragontail summit the next day.

Edited April 25, 2013 by CouleeClimber

[Pete_H]

He's not asking about Icicle road dude.

[CouleeClimber]

You can't get to the road or trailhead if you can't get down Icicle road though. Or is there another route I don't know about.

[Woodcutter]

10 days ago Stuart lake looked frozen solid, and it's 500' lower, so I'm guessing the lake will be bomber.

 

The road was clear of snow til 1/2 mile before the TH, but didn't look like it was going to melt fast. L-town Ranger station: 509 548 6977

[Pete_H]

You can't get to the road or trailhead if you can't get down Icicle road though. Or is there another route I don't know about.

 

Yeah but its open to 8 Mile CG year round.

[CouleeClimber]

Nice, I went in late April one year and used snowshoes, don't plan on that again, although the buddy I had with me at the time is a heavy chainsmoker, (lesson learned).

[CouleeClimber]

You can't get to the road or trailhead if you can't get down Icicle road though. Or is there another route I don't know about.

 

Yeah but its open to 8 Mile CG year round.

 

Ah, alright, so regardless they don't care, been going up there for years, but wasn't sure if the park service would get antsy if you were up there to late or early in the season. I just remember seeing the sign for snowmobiles.

[Pete_H]

Its not Park its Forest Service public land so you can use it whenever you want. Icicle and 8-Mile Rd, aka Mtneers Creek Rd, are open to snowmobile use in the winter. You just can't snowmo in the adjacent Wilderness Area.

[jakedouglas]

I called the ranger station and it is still closed. She guessed maybe another 2-3 weeks until opening.

 

Thanks for the help.