Having done this loop both clockwise and counterclockwise, I greatly prefer going CCW in large part because it makes navigation between Gem Lake and Melakwa Lake much easier. If done correctly, the cross-country section is not technical or particularly difficult. I would rate it Class 2, though definitely strong Class 2 with a few spots where you may use your hands for a little additional stability.
From Gem Lake, follow the evident climbers' trail shown on the maps until you reach a small talus field on the ridge, somewhere in the 5,300-5,400' elevation range, where you may see cairns or a faint boot path leaving the ridge and heading towards Chair Peak Lake. You should be just below one series of cliffs and a ways above another, on a moderate slope that provides good travel towards Chair Peak Lake. Use the upper cliff band as a handrail, staying below the cliffs and following them for a ways until the terrain begins to open and you can choose your route to Chair Peak Lake, and Melakwa Pass, by sight. You may find occasional patches of boot paths along the route but there is no consistent path and this is truly off-trail.
Distance: Right around 15 miles for the entire loop, but only 11 if you do a car shuttle between trailheads. Making the recommended side trips to Upper Wildcat Lakes and Wright Mountain will take you up to 19 miles.
Elevation Gain: 5,400' for the full loop and about 1,000' less if you do a shuttle. Approximately 7,700' for the loop and both side trips.
Maps and More:
- 1x24,000 scale (standard established by USGS 7.5 minute topographic quads)
- Mileage, elevation gain, and route details
Overview Map:
On the climbers' trail above Gem Lake
Overlooking Snow Lake from the cross-country section
Turn off the climbers' trail at this talus field. Follow the lower edge of the talus on a faint boot path then begin traveling cross-country to Melakwa Pass
Looking south down to Melakwa Lake
Looking north from Melakwa Pass
Looking back at Melakwa Pass with Chair Peak on the left
A rare view of Snow Lake
From Wright Mountain: Gem Lake in the lower left, Kaleetan Peak in the upper right
More information:
An alternate cross-country route description for early season with more snow coverage
I did this route last Thursday and it was beautiful. Thanks a lot for the route description, without it, I would have been tempted to descend to Snow Lake and work my way around the shore, which probably would have been a lot more work.
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