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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 Katina on 11/8/2009 This hike is nowhere near North Bend. In North Bend there is no snow, in Snoqualmie Pass where the trailhead is located there is a lot of snow. Thank you for wasting our time. 
Reviewed by Davem on 11/4/2009 Hiked today. There was very little mud on the first section of the trail and clear of snow. There was frozen snow on the trail down the ridge into Snow lake. Traction devices would have been nice, but I had poles and they worked well. No snow at the lake, but mud in some places. Lots of wind on the north end of the lake. Also made the trek up to Gem Lake. There was a little snow on the trail up to Gem, and about 2 inches on the trail at Gem. Overall it was a great hike today. After the big storm tomorrow night this may have been the last day to make this hike without snowshoes or ice traction.
Reviewed by SM on 7/27/2009 One of the good hikes i have been too. Good workout and great scenic views. Lake in the center is breathtaking and super cold. A bit rocky but will definitely revisit.
Reviewed by Susie J on 7/19/2009 Hiked today 7/16 and it seemed so did everyone else! The trail was packed. The scenery was amazing and I got to see flowers that I've not seen before. Will definately go again. But where do you pay to park?
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. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||