NOTE: This route description is not valid anymore. In August of 2023 the Forest Service punched in a road straight up the ridge toward Prospect Mtn #1 and was logging the timber on the ridge and down the left side. The road from Freezeout Pass down towards Gildersleeves on the Cedar Creek side was pretty beat up. In 2024 the Timber Sale which was a private sale was suspended (per a F.S. Employee), so I am not sure what condition of the ridgeline and connection to trail #169 as I have not been back to check on it.
Getting There: Take the main Cedar Creek Road #320 for around 13 miles and take the left fork (road #388) across the bridge towards the Gildersleeve Mine and Freezeout Pass; there is adequate signage at the junction. It is another 4.5 miles up to Freezeout Pass.
At the Pass, take trail #169 northeast for about 1.25 miles where the trail will split with the right fork (trail #169) heading down towards and past the lake and the left fork continues to the top of Prospect Mtn #1. I believe there used to be a trail of sorts into the lake at one time, but either the fire or neglect has eliminated it. I found the best route in and out of the lake is to follow the trail #169 until you hit the edge of the fire boundary. At this point you can look directly at the lake.
Head straight for the lake taking the best route available along the edge of the fire. There are some steep sections, but they provide a clear path down the hill. The closer to the lake you get the brushier it gets. Return in the same manner. Although the trail #169 is officially closed to motorized use there has been significant side by side traffic on the trail.
At the Lake:There used to be an old cabin by the lake with many initials / names of people from the Superior area. I suppose that the Forest Service burned the cabin years ago as I didn’t see any evidence of it nor any camping sites for the area I was at. There are no fish in the lake so leave the fishing pole in the vehicle.
