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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 2 of 4 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/25/2008 trail is clear of snow up to the rim. the descent into the lake is on and off snow at first about halfway down, heavily covered after that. I tested my new ice ax and glacaded the rest of the way down into the lake basin then hiked out w/ crampons. Don't go beyond the rim w/ out either good experience on snow, and at least poles. For an extra treat, at the fork before the ascent up to the rim, take the left path to source lake. There is an alternate pathway that connects to the main trail over the ridge. Look across the creek just below the waterfall and you'll see it. There is too much snow at this point to go beyond the waterfall, but source lake overlook is a worthy destination in its own.
Reviewed by jamie on 7/23/2008 i did this hike the weekend of the 19th and it was very easy untill you got to decent part down to the lake me my dad and my brother just had running shoes on. the park ranger stoped us and told us we shouldent go down unless we have cramp ons we had to go to rei to get them so we went all the way back and there where like 200 bucks so we didnt get them. we went back up and made it down just fine but making it back up you definitely need an ice axe or trekking poles or it will be hard. the hike was very easy but it got very cold camping after the sun went down. if you dont have a nice sleeping bag it gets cold cause i had one and i didnt get cold but my dad and brother didnt and they got very very cold. overall it was a great hike!!
Reviewed by marko d on 7/19/2008 hiked this trail today, 2008 07 19. trail is in quite good shape. maybe 2 very small patches of snow over the trail. muddy in some places but not bad. Snow Lake has a thin layer of snow over 95% of it, but you can see some water around the shores. The descent from the ridge to the lake shore is mostly snowed over yet, we didn't attempt to go down it. Source lake is still snowed over to a good depth, with little water showing. The trail to Source lake is also snowed over right before what looks to be the main waterfall (1st time on the hike). Great hike. Buddy and I left at 11:15 and were back in the car by 2:45. 
Reviewed by Tim on 6/29/2008 Just did this hike today (June 29th) and the hike was anything but easy today. The trail was snowed over in numerous spots, many hikers were taking wrong turns and heading off path. More so, the switch back section for the final mile was completely snowed over. The trail was lost and most people were either turning around or those brave enough were traversing their own path up the hill. The way down was even more treacherous with one unfortunate hike breaking his lake. Even in June, the lake was completely froze/snowed over.
Reviewed by Tim on 6/29/2008 Just did this hike today (June 29th, 2008) and the hike was anything but easy today. Even in summer, this trail was snowed over in numerous spots, many hikers were taking wrong turns and heading off path. More so, the switch back section for the final mile was completely snowed over in a giant snow slope. The trail was lost and most people were either turning around or those brave enough were traversing their own path up the hill. The way down was even more dangerous with one unfortunate hike breaking his lake. Even in June, the lake was completely froze/snowed over. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||