Frog Lake Snowshoe Overnight

-Trail Name: Frog Lake Loop

-Enter/Exit Point: Frog Lake Snowpack

-Trail Type: Lollipop

-Difficulty Level: Moderate due to snow in winter

-Distance: 1.3 miles

-Elevation: 130 feet

-Guide: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5421629.pdf

-Review: Frog Lake was recommended to me by my dentist who does a lot of snow camping in the winter. He said it was a nice easy Friday night option as the trail is short and you will often have camp all to yourself. The trail begins at Frog Lake Snow Park which is also a PCT trail head. The trail begins at the east side of the lot near the info sign. When I was there in early April the gate closing the road to cars was almost completely under snow. The trail goes roughly a quarter mile in before splitting to a loop. I hiked clockwise until I came to the campground which had vault toilets, picnic tables and dumpsters, although all of that was covered by snow making things difficult to use. The lake is NE of the campground but is likely to be covered with snow for half of the year so do not count on it for water access.

I was able to hike using boots until the campground area where I got off trail enough to need to put on my snow shoes to avoid thigh deep post holes. I easily found a site where I could stomp down a flat spot to pitch my tent and the picnic table was uncovered enough to be useful.

The temps in April were in the high 30’s to low 40’s with clear blue skies. This made for a very comfortable camp. In the morning I continued my loop through the campground using my snowshoes before reconnecting with the stem of the lollipop to hike the last quarter mile back to the trailhead. I did not see anyone while out on trail but I did hear a fair bit of highway noise even during the night. Be sure to pack plenty of water or a means to melt/filter snow if you plan on spending the night.

-Rating: Bring a friend if they want to sleep in the snow!

Rating Guide:

-Gram it: Check out the pictures on Instagram because this one is not worth seeing in person

-Hike it: It’s short and sweet. Might as well knock it out in a day

-Bag it: Pack a bag and spend the night

-Bring a friend: Easy enough to bring a friend. Maybe this is where you can introduce someone to backpacking.

-Come Back: I will keep doing this trip it’s so good.