BENNETT, MIDDLE, & MURPHY LAKES skiing & hiking

 


Feb 17, 2017 - BENNETT, MIDDLE & MURPHY LAKES ski, from Creek Rd. Wilcox Lake Wild Forest. 600' climb in 3 miles to Middle then over 100' drop to Murphy & lean-to. Rocky mountain views at Murphy. Nice run back out. Snowshoe tracks went half way, a snowmobile came in after us but only got near Bennett - altho it is an official snomo trail it is not used for that purpose much - someone wrote in the register: "trail not passable with snowmobile". Very good to excellent skiing on ~15", some easily avoidable wet spots. 7.7 miles, 4.5 hours.


Nov 7, 2012 - BENNETT & MIDDLE LAKES hike, from Creek Rd, N of Northville.  Temp in the 30s, gotta get acclimated to colder temps & you don't do that by staying inside.  The trail is along an old road, now also a snowmobile trail.  Have to leave the main trail to get a good look at Bennett.  Also left the main trail & followed a fisherman's path counterclockwise around Middle passing thru some choice campsites in hemlock woods.  Built a small campfire at lunch.  Very quiet, nice clear green water.  7 miles, 500' el gain, 4.7 hours.

Jan. 27, 2000 - Skied to Bennett & Middle Lakes (near Northville). Started out about 7:30am. Up to 10" of powder but not much in the way of base - wish I had used my rock skis instead of 1 year old Lookouts - hit quite a few rocks - will be better when snowmobiles come thru to pack down then add few inches of more powder. Minus 5F when I reached Middle Lake about 9am after gaining over 800' in elevation. Didn't have time to go as far as Murphy Lake - had to be at work by noon. Lakes were real pretty in the morning sun - saw lots of deer tracks.


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