Hey guys,

I have a 7-8 day x-country route planned that will start around August 15th. Planned as follows:

Island Lake > Jasper Lake > Sky Pilot Lake > Sundance Pass > Quinnebaugh Meadows > Mary Lake > Snow Lakes > E. Rosebud TH. I am most concerned with the off trail section from Mary Lake up and over the plateau to Snow Lakes and then out. I am expecting tough off trail travel, but would appreciate any first hand information that would make things easier on me.

I may swap my entry point over to Clay Butte TH > Green Lake > Crystal Lake Basin first. This would probably add 1 day of travel to my trip. If people could pipe in a give an opinion on this option vs. Island Lake > Albino Lake > Jasper Lake for scenic quality, it would be much appreciated. Both areas look great.

Also recommendations on good scrambles in the ares (nothing beyond class III).

Thanks for taking the time to read this, looking forward to any and all advice.

Matt

I hiked from Mary Lake to Sylvan Peak several years ago and don't remember any major difficulties. I don't think continuing across the plateau to Snow Lakes should be a major obstacle, judging by the contours. The off trail travel at the early part of your route sounds more likely to be problematic to me.