Snow Lake Trail

Photo of Snow Lake by Susan M. Mueller.

I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass. This trail is situated in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and must be the most popular trail in Washington, behind only Mount Si for consistent overcrowding. The trail is in pretty good shape up to the lake, but some upgrade work remains along portions of trail near the lake.

A group from NAAAP-Seattle will join this work party.

This trail is situated in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and must be the most popular trail in Washington, behind only Mount Si for consistent overcrowding. The trail climbs gradually across Source Creek Valley, before launching into some steep switchbacks to the ridge-top. From there, it's all downhill to Snow Lake. At three miles, the High Lakes trail leads two miles north to Gem Lake, then another two miles to Wildcat Lakes, which should provide a break from the throngs.

Driving directions:
From Seattle drive east on I-90 and take exit 52 at Snoqualmie Pass. Drive left under I-90 following signs to the Alpental Ski Area, and in a mile turn left into the Alpental Ski area parking lot. Do not take the second left after the freeway which is the old pass highway and leads downhill. The trailhead, elevation 3100 feet, exits the parking lot at the north-east corner. (Driving time from Seattle : approximately 1.0 hour.)