The road was closed, and even dramatically washed out just before the entrance to the June Lake trailhead, but you can easily park at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park to get there. There is a temporary bridge spanning the creek that washed out the road, so you can still easily cross it. The trail itself was in good shape, and we had about 6-9 inches of snow to walk on. Our snowshoes came in handy. It was beautiful at the lake, even though it started snowing while we were there. The road getting there was basically clear all the way to the parking area. All in all, it was a great day to spend the first day of 2007!

This was an excellent day trip on snowshoes and was well worth the $9 to park at the Snow Park. Stop in Cougar for your permit (any gas station will do) then drive the remaining few miles to Marble Mountain Snow Park. The trails are really well marked and maps are available in the parking lot. There is also a unusually clean composting toilet and a large warming cabin with lots of picnic tables a a big wood stove. Unfortunately, snowmobilers will likely fill most of the parking lot with their trucks and trailers and their incessant buzzing will plague the first mile or so of the trail, but after that this "non-motorized" trail grows quiet and peaceful and the views get better and better. This can be a nice out-and-back (probably the easier option for skiers) or a loop that will take you by a waterfall and small lake. However, returning to the trailhead from this point seemed to be over rougher terrain that might prove difficult on skis; we only saw snowshoers here. We had an especially warm day with the only cloud in the sky being a whisp of steam from the mountain. If you're fit, you can do this trail really fast. We were up for about four hours and stopped many times to play in the snow, take pictures, and slide down slopes.

This is a great hike for kids! I took my 4-year old with my 9-month old on my back. The climb up to June Lake is very doable (only 1 "my legs are tired" moment). The lake itself is small and not really a swimming hole, but with the waterfall and lush surroundings it was very pretty. Even better, it was great for rock throwing. The real magic of this climb is the lava field. We scaled our way up the boulders about 40-50 feet and had a great view. For me (as the Dad), the best part was watching my son figure out how to handle the clibming. It was a real confidence builder for him. We're heading back there tomorrow.

I really like this trail because it gives beginning hikers the opportunity to see the variety of beauty in the Northwest's outdoors, experience slightly varying terrain, and view one of the most lovely waterfalls in Washington. The Cougar area of Washington State offers many day hike trails ranging from this quick and easy example to marathon thirty-mile hikes like the Loowit Trail, which actually adjoins to the June Lake Trail. A recent law passed in Washington requires that hikers and climbers purchase a day use pass costing around $5. This can be procured in the gift shop at Jack's Restaurant, which is a large blue building located on the right side of SR503 just as you are entering Cougar. Once you reach the trailhead and begin the hike, you will be walking through a lot of ash on the ground from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. There is some mild uphill hiking that quickly turns downhill. The ground off the trail is lush and green with blue spruce and mosses. Nearing the end of the trail, you will come into a clearing. On the left is an expanse of volcanic rock, ahead of you is forest and the trail that joins up to the Loowit Trail, and on the right is June Lake. I remember this as being on of the most wonderful sights I had ever seen. To get the full effect I recommend goning in late spring or summer. There is a small waterfall that cascades into a lake covered by flowering tree blossoms, vibrant green algae, and blooming lilly pads. The sun setting casts a rosy glow on the hills and water that makes the experience magical. If you can walk, you can do this hike. Although hikers may see people camping, there is officially no camping allowed and the reason people can get away with it is because the trail is not frequently checked by the Parks or Forest Service. This trail is very good if one is looking for a short mountain bike ride.