Mount Isolation in the winter is a challenging hike that involves a bushwhack over Engine Hill that can be difficult to follow in best conditions. We headed up Rocky Branch and about 1.5 miles up -- found our first dilemma, a large group had diverted right thinking this was where the bushwhack started but it was about a mile too soon. Fortunately, we met hikers with a GPS who ensured us the actual trail was to the left. We followed them up to the junction where the Engine Hill bushwhack starts and met one other group on the way. There were so many random tracks we were grateful for the help! We finally connected to the Isolation Trail, Davis Path then up to the summit of Isolation on Isolation Spur. Long hard day, deep snow, lots of face slapping branches and obstacles to maneuver around but we made it! 13.5 miles (overshot one section and lost about .6 miles) in a little less than 9 hours with 3300 ft. of ascent elevation. Grateful for the trail angels who kept us on the right path!