Symphony Lake

[AkHunter45]

Has anyone been out to Symphony Lake lately? I was wondering what the snow conditions are like and how close the lake is to opening up.

 

[Brian M]

Are you referring to Symphony Lake up at the end of South Fork Valley? If so, I can only assume that the lake isn't open yet. I was thinking about heading that way on Thursday afternoon for some skiing, so I'll let you know what I find if I do indeed go. There's lots of snow up there still.

-Brian

 

[whitepalm]

Symphony

Symphony

I'd bet it's still frozen and snow fairly deep. My Dad's place on Wolf dr, he says still winter. That valley has a severe lack of sunshine during winter. Decent snowshoeing early in the day im sure.

 

[AkHunter45]

I believe that is the place, there's actually 2 lakes but one is glacier fed and appears green in color that is on the left and Symphony is a little further in on the right across a rocky field (glacial moraine?). There's an old Russian building on a hill in between the 2 lakes and it's about a 5 mile hike to get there.

 

[AkHunter45]

Whats the word fella's, anyone been out there lately?

 

[Paul H]

You're talking about the lakes up the South Fork or Eagle River, you drive back up Hiland Road to the trailhead? I haven't been up there yet this year, but this post is sure motivating me to head back there.

 

[AkHunter45]

Yep, thats the place and one of our most favorite hikes. We are going to hike in there this year with the dogs and camp out overnight and maybe do a little fishing.

 

[Paul H]

We've always done it as a day hike with the kids, and so far have just made it over the bridge and a bit further before turning back. We hope to do it as an overnighter and make it all the way to the lakes.

 

[AkHunter45]

It can be a rough hike for the dogs and little ones when hiking over to Symphony Lake as you have to cross the huge rocks left over from the old glacier but it's a beautiful place and worth the hike. If I don;t go bear hunting this weekend we may go check it out ourselves.

 

[Brian M]

AkHunter45 - You might want to give it another week. I just talked with a friend that lives up there and she said they got new snow yesterday. She said the trail is equal parts mud and snow - there's still large sections that are covered. I'd chase bears this weekend...leave this hike for later.

-Brian

 

[AkHunter45]

Thanks for the heads up B_M, i'll be chasing bears this weekend and will head to Symphony next weekend. Cheers! Hunter

 

[Brian M]

The wife and I hiked up Mt. Baldy last night, from where I had a pretty good view of the South Fork Valley. It looks like the trail to Symphony Lake should be clearing up. I imagine you'll still encounter a bit of mud and maybe a snow chute or two, but it looks pretty good from a distance.

-Brian

 

[Brian M]

I finally made it out to this trail today. It's in pretty good shape, though there was enough hopping of water and mud on the second half to make me feel like the playground hopscotch champ. After you cross the bridge the trails gets a little wet, but it's mostly avoidable. If you have light shoes you might get a little damp, and you'll certainly get a workout, but it's not too bad. We only crossed snow 3 times, and never for more than 20 yards. The weather was beautiful, the people not too many, and the scenery spectacular.

-Brian