climbed Snowline and Chantilly falls yest. and had the area all to ourselves.The ice on Snowline was a little platey but the climb was dry except for 1 little section and took protection well.

Hiking out of ETC yesterday at around 430pm we rounded a corner on the main trail (just like the earlier sighting) and spotted a large cat sitting in the middle of the trail, about 80m away from us.

We immediately stopped and armed ourselves with tools and bear spray (brought just for the cougar) as we slowly walked away backwards. After a few steps the cat stood up and headed west into the trees. Our plan was to head into the trees and take the highway back, but the cat beat us to the punch. We resolved there was no point in heading back to the creek so, tools and spray ready, we walked back to back down towards the parking lot.

When we got to the spot where I thought it had been sitting I looked over to my left (west) and about 8 feet away from me (maybe 1m off the path) there was a lynx, hiding in plain sight, staring right at me. He looked to weigh perhaps 70ish pounds (large dog size) and appeared as scared as we were. I said slowly to my partner "He's right beside us... but its a lynx" and we both stared in awe at this amazing cat as he allowed us to walk right past him. Unreal, totally amazing.

Because he was sitting just as described in the earlier posting I have to wonder if the others also saw a lynx. Obviously the tail (or lack thereof) is a giveaway, but we thought it was a cougar at first sight as well. He was a full grown, big cat. Hopefully whatever cat's that are around there aren't getting too habituated to us, he seemed to like the path. Didn't bother us in the least though, seemed quite afraid.

What an amazing experience!

This makes total sense. I was the one who posted the MCR about a cougar sighting. We actually thought it was a lynx as well, but when I hiked back in with the Conservation Officer, he was convinced that it was cougar tracks. I remember it looking darker then a cougar. It must have a den nearby there, as there are often tracks and it sounds like the exact same area we saw it.
Thanks for the post!