Strawberry Lake in First Snow: A Fall-Meets-Winter Hike in Star Valley

We thought we were heading up for a classic early October fall hike. Golden aspens. Crisp air. Maybe a light frost dusting the grass at the lake. Instead, we walked straight into winter’s opening act.

When I took my sister, her husband, and our friend Christine up to Strawberry Lake this time, the valley floor had just been dusted with winter’s first snow. But as we climbed higher into the mountains, the first snow of the season truly revealed itself, and it was far more substantial than we expected.

Yellow leaves still clung to branches. Fresh snow blanketed the ground and coated the trees. It was one of the most beautiful contrasts I’ve ever seen.

Trail Overview (Early Winter Conditions)

Trail: North Fork Strawberry Creek to Strawberry Lake
Distance: ~7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,500 ft
Difficulty: Moderate (final mile steep)
Parking Coordinates: 42.906843761383485, -110.85575093101124
Road Conditions: Rough 4×4 access road

The road to the trailhead is no joke. Even in dry summer conditions it’s rocky and uneven. The hike begins gradually, following Strawberry Creek with several small crossings before the steady climb begins. The final mile remains the crux, steeper, more direct, and enough to get your heart rate way up.

Snow softened the trail but didn’t yet require snowshoes or traction. We got lucky.

Fall and Winter Collide

Everything was blanketed in white. The world felt quieter. Muted. Our footsteps were dampened by fresh snow. Our voices instinctively softened. And yet, some bright yellow aspens still glowed against the white landscape.

It felt like two seasons colliding mid-sentence.

The hike itself was steady and enjoyable, but the real surprise came when we reached the lake. The temperature dropped sharply. The kind of cold that slices through damp layers if you’re not prepared to add insulation quickly. Wind skimmed across the water, amplifying the chill.

We didn’t linger long. Truthfully, we were slightly underprepared for how dramatic that temperature difference would be at elevation. And in the mountains, lingering too long when underdressed becomes more than uncomfortable, it becomes unsafe.

But even in our shortened stay, that view was jaw dropping. Strawberry Lake’s water was impossibly vibrant, a deep, electric blue somehow intensified by the snow-covered mountains behind it.

Blue water. White peaks. It looked like a painting.

Gear Test: Winter Boots in Action

This hike doubled as a test run for my new heavy duty Wyoming winter hiking boots: KEEN Women’s Revel Snow Boot

I picked them up for just under $200, looking for something reliable for cold-weather hiking and snowshoe days. Verdict?

My feet were completely warm and dry.

They’re bulkier than my typical trail runners and not nearly as flexible, so you won’t be flying up the trail in them. You sacrifice a bit of agility and speed. But warmth won.

For sub-freezing conditions, snow-packed trails, and true winter adventures, they’re perfect. Cozy, waterproof, dependable. And on a day like this, that peace of mind was worth every ounce to me.

Winter Tips for Strawberry Lake

If you’re hiking Strawberry Lake in shoulder season or early winter, here’s what I’d suggest:

  • Layer more than you think you’ll need. Valley weather can be deceiving.
  • Pack an insulated jacket specifically for the lake. Hiking heat disappears quickly when you stop.
  • Bring gloves and a warm hat.
  • Check road conditions before driving up.
  • Consider traction devices (microspikes) once snow becomes packed or icy.
  • Start early. Fall daylight fades quickly.
  • Stay mindful of exposure time at the lake.

The hike is manageable in early snow, but conditions change fast in the mountains.

The Best Kind of Ending

After descending back through snow-dusted aspens, cheeks flushed and fingers chilled, we did what any rational hikers would do. We drove straight to 225 BBQ.

Warm, smoky air. Hearty plates. Cold drinks. That unmistakable satisfaction of sitting down after earning every bite. There is something deeply satisfying about following a cold alpine lake with hot barbecue. The contrast feels as dramatic as yellow leaves against fresh snow.

We love 225. It has become one of our favorite post-adventure traditions in Star Valley. Brisket, pulled pork, whatever special they’re running… it’s the best!

Why This Trail Never Gets Old

I’ve hiked Strawberry Lake in summer. I’ve hiked it in fall. But seeing it under the first snow of the season felt entirely different. Quieter, wilder, more dramatic.

It reminded me why I never tire of repeating the same trail in different seasons. The route stays the same but the story changes.

And sometimes, the best mountain days are the ones you didn’t plan for. When fall and winter collide, when you’re slightly underprepared but deeply alive, when blue water glows brighter against fresh snow.

For me, Strawberry Lake continues to earn its place as one of Star Valley’s best-kept secrets. Just maybe pack one more layer than you think you’ll need in October 😉