Bottleneck Lake Out-and-Back

Snow Lake Trail #185 (1.5 miles)The hike starts on Snow Lake Trail #185. From the trailhead sign, the path is wide as it enters the forest. The Snow Creek valley, with the creek at its bottom, drops off to the left. As the trail follows the creek upstream, it can often be heard, but rarely seen through the thick foliage. At the 1.5 mile mark a well marked trail junction with Bottleneck Lake Trail #187 is reached. Go right here onto Bottleneck Lake Trail #187, to continue hiking to Bottleneck Lake.Bottleneck Lake Trail #187 (1.9 miles)After turning off of Snow Lake Trail #185, the trail immediately makes a sharp turn to the right. The first switchback is then reached after only 0.3 miles. With the Snow Creek valley dropping off to the right/east, there are nice views of the forested far side of the valley along this stretch. Making a U-turn to the left at the switchback, the trail heads south, eventually leaving these views behind.A small creek is crossed 1.1 miles after leaving Snow Lake Trail #185. About a quarter mile later the high switchbacks begin. Lasting about another 0.6 miles, this is a particularly scenic stretch of the trail. The steep hillside being climbed, drops off to the northeast, providing great views of the forested valleys and rugged mountains into the far distance. Nearby peaks also rise up to the northwest.After the last switchback, the climbs eases as the trail heads to Bottleneck Lake. A wet grassy area on the east side of the lake is passed as the lake comes into view. Bottleneck Peak, 6,782 ft., and rocky ridges rise up across the lake. The trail veers right/west and passes side trails to the left. These side trails lead to the shoreline. Continuing on, the trail reaches the lake's northwest banks, where it ends.