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 Reporter |
Summary: This trail is one of the most heavily used in the Northwest, and for good reason! It has beautiful scenery, and great views of the Snoqualmie Valley. Once you arrive at the top of the ridge, you hike down into a bowl, with Snow Lake, awaiting, as your reward. This is one of the largest lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. Bring a bathing suit for later in the summer. The first 2 miles are direct, and the final has rock blasted switchbacks to the top of the ridge. Pay attention to signs, because you need to branch right off the trail about 2 miles in. Enjoy the hike. Trailhead: From Seattle, take I-90 East to Snoqualmie Pass. Get off on exit 53 and turn left. Follow the road until it ends at the Alpental Parking Lot. Parking is $5, or free with a Northwest Parks Pass (Available at REI). Proceed up the road past the gate approximately 100 feet. On your right, is a clearly marked trailhead. (Lat:47.44532 Lon:-121.4235) Trail Guides for Snow Lake: Best Hikes With Children by Joan Burton (The Mountaineers) 100 Classic Hikes in Washington by Ira Spring (The Mountaineers) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Snoqualmie Ranger District- (425) 888-1421 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Patrick Harlin, who has posted 1 other hike on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mandy on 6/1/2009 Error: Reserved Word Found: ;
Reviewed by Kelsey O. on 9/8/2008 Hiked on 9/7/08. The weather was beautiful, sunny but not too hot, perfect for hiking. We set off from the trailhead around 10am, so the trail was still relatively clear (i.e., not too many hikers). Coming back (around 1pm), it had gotten quite busy and we had to "pull over" several times. The trail is clear and easy to hike with a good pair of shoes - no poles or additional equipment required. The lake and views were stunning! Definitely worth the time.
Reviewed by Vanh on 9/2/2008 The view was sooooooo beautiful when you get the the location! :)
Reviewed by Rob on 8/24/2008 This a nice hike in the Pacific NW but by no means a 'great' hike. Tiger Mountain is more challenging IMO. As of today the trail and lake are snow free. The trail is more or less rocks for most of the way and these become incredibly slippery in wet weather. Unless you have bad knees or are older, I wouldn't bother with the poles or anything else. Just bring water, a snack and good hiking boots.
Reviewed by Christopher on 8/14/2008 First of all, a correction on the directions. When you get off I-90 on exit 53 you take a right, not a left, followed by another immediate right (with signs for Snow Lake) and then follow that to the parking lot. Overall a very pretty and not very challenging hike. The lake still had snow on it on August 12th but the trail was clear of snow. There were a lot of bugs which was obnoxious but that's about my only compliant. 
Reviewed by Scott on 7/30/2008 This hike was just right in length and difficulty, and the lake itself is simply astounding. I've hiked many of the trails that are close to Seattle in the last few months, and this one was by far the best because of the phenomenon of the snowy, ice-covered lake in July. I would definitely recommend crampons, but I wouldn't let a lack of them prevent you from going.
Reviewed by PT on 7/28/2008 This is our 2nd time hiking this trail. It was much better in last August when all the snow had melted. My son, older daughter and me made all the way down to the lake. Yes, the lake and surrounding view are breaktaking!! The reason we came back this time because my wife and my youngest daughter couldn't make it down to the lake in last August. This time, we all made it up to the top of the ridge! But then, we couldn't make it down to the lake this time since the path going down is still cover with snow, and we are completely unprepared for the snow hike. We love to try it again in August, hopefully, the snow has been gone by then. Anyway, highly recommend for family hike but make sure you come with all the necessary hiking equipments.
Reviewed by Balaji Vish on 7/26/2008 We did this hike today and it was awesome and the best in the 1hr radius of Seattle. We went a bit underprepared - without the ice ax, pole, snow boots etc, but that didnt stop us from taking a scary slide to get to the lake. We determined to touch the lake and did it. But, given another chance we will do it with better equipment, as it was slippery in a lot of places. The view sitting on the banks of the lake with the hills all around you is worth all the effort in getting down the lake. So, dont miss it. Everybody in our group - fit and unfit, mananged to get down, so I'm convinced that any normal person could get down to it, with some preparation. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, King County Hiking, King County Trails, King County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||