Feb 6 - Viewpoint on the trail to White Pine Lake (LCC)

 Mostly sunny day with temps again in the mid-50 and I'm heading into the mountains today!! (Guess a snow drought does have it pay-offs!) Heading up LCC to the Red/White Pine trail and following the White Pine trail up to the 1st viewpoint of the cirque. It's probably about a 2 mile hike and I'm exciting because I haven't done this hike in 8 years and longer as winter hike.

I arrive around 8:45am to a pretty full parking lot. I was surprised by the number of cars already there. Definitely and micro-spike day even though the trail is hard-packed. (Ele: 7630ft)

Wonderful memories as I start up the trail. First stop, the bridge just down from the parking. 

The water is flowing though very low.

Then comes the climb to the trail split. The sun is still rising so it's all in the shade.

I'm a little bummed that I'm following a group of ladies. Trying to keep distance to shut-out the talking but I eventually close the gap as they take a break. But just before I can pass, they take off again.

I do eventually pass them not that far from the trail split (again a break). 

I reach the split and take a look at the lower falls which is covered/frozen. It's now a short-cut for the Red Pine trail. (1mile, ~400 ft)

I then head up to Gloria Falls (the falls had no name when I move here). I stand on snow-covered bridge to look at again the snow-covered/frozen landscape.

Back down on the trail, I start heading up to White Pine Lake.

Oh how the view of LCC open up the higher I get. So pretty! Worth the trip even if I stop here.

Then it's another back (which in my brain the last) but there were 2 more before the trail takes a left turn and heads straight for the cirque. Though it passes thru lots of pine.

I have a peaks to my right, one to my left (which is head to see) and 2 in front. And then I'm at the ending point. I go off-trail a bit on a ski trail for a better view.

I turn to head back and see this incredible view of the LCC. Wow!

Then back to the main trail. Oh, the joys of ending knee deep in snow!!! (A few times!!)

I continue on the trail for a little a bit until it opens up and stop to admire the view!!

This is as far as I go; it's just a good stopping and the trail gets a bit messy and probably need skis or snowshoes to go farther. (I believe I'm about 2.1 miles and 8500 ft - ~1000ft gain)

I'm happy! And so happy I had the chance to do this hike again!

The trip back was uneventful.


Awesome day!

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