For a more strenuous snowshoe, head out to Deer Creek and the Lake Kelcema trail. From the parking area, the route proceeds up Deer Creek Road (Road 4052). Watch out for tubers and sledders on the lower portion.
Your path steadily gains in elevation, while views are mostly forested. A few "windows" through the trees offer peeks of Bald Mountain along the surrounding forest transitioning from second growth to old growth.
Cast a glance behind you for a panorama of Big Four Mountain and Sperry, Vesper, and Little Chief Peaks. Leave the road at the 4.5 mile mark and snowshoe up the creek for the last half mile; look for trail markers.
During heavier winters there can be many downed trees along this part of the trail. Arriving at the frozen lakeshore, Bald Mountain looms above, with Devils Peak visible to the east.
Lake Kelcema Snowshoe

Length
10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation
Gain: 1600 ft.
Highest Point: 3182 ft.
Rating
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
NoneLake Kelcema Snowshoe
Map & Directions
Getting There
From Granite Falls drive east on the Mountain Loop Highway about 12 miles past the Verlot Public Service Center to the end of the plowed road. Park in the cleared pullout area on the north side of the highway.