Alpine Lakes Region
- Talapus and Olallie Lakes
- Mason Lake and Mt. Defiance (to summit)
- Pratt Lake
- Granite Mountain
- Lake Melakwa
- Snow Lake, Gem Lake, and Lower Wildcat Lake
- Pacific Crest Trail (from Snoqualmie Pass to Ridge and Gravel Lakes)
- Rachel Lake and Lila Lakes
- Annette Lake
- Lake Lillian
- Twin Lakes/Silver Peak Loop and Mount Catherine
- Snoqualmie Mountain
Talapus and Olallie Lakes
Length (RT): 4.0 mi Diff. Level: easy Elev. Gain: 1220 ft Season: June-October
This a good hike for families with children and/or a first-time backpack. There are numerous camps around both lakes. From the east end of the parking lot, the trail begins on an old, overgrown logging road. Then you will negotiate a series of easy-grade switchbacks through forest.In about a mile, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is entered (marked by a sign). Note the big trees! Soon, a marshy area is reached. Here, one could keep straight to reach some camps on back side of Talapus or keep right with the main trail. Cross the outlet and the way navigates wet ground via boardwalks and soon reaches Talapus Lake (1.25 miles; 49.0 KB). Back on the main trail, you will climb up onto a rib and will come to a junction with the sidetrail that leads to the Pratt Lake trail (1.75 miles). Keep left and wind up and then down to Olallie Lake (2.0 miles; 35.7 KB). This is the best spot for lunch. There are nice beaches for sunning and the lake is pleasant for swimming. I never tried fishing here but it drops to deeper water pretty quickly so I think one could have good fishing for trout. If you want more exercise, you could take the sidetrail to the main Pratt Lake trail and turn left on it. From here, several options are available such as Rainbow Lake and Pratt Lake.
Update: My friend John and I did a snowshoe up here in April and here is a shot of me at Olallie Lake (23.7 KB). We were trying out our new MSR Denalis. He has the Ascent model while I have the Classic ones. If I were you, I'd buy the Ascents as they are basically same as Classic, except binding system is a bit different and shoes have more traction. Also, the Ascent series have televators which are nice for climbing. Either pair are great shoes, but if you are going to be doing a lot of serious climbing, go for the Ascents.
How to get there:
Take I-90 to exit 45 and go under the freeway and parallel it west on road 9030 to a junction. Make a right and wind up to road end and trailhead parking lot.
Hike List
Navigation
Mason Lake and Mt. Defiance (to summit)
Length (RT): about 11 mi Diff. Level: strenuous Elev. Gain: 3484 ft Season: July-October
The way is literally straight up a boot-beaten path full of roots, and you have to scale a fair-sized boulder field. Walk up the gated road for a mile to the Mason Creek crossing. The actual trail is just a bit beyond and is marked by a sign. After the first few switchbacks, there is a fork. Both routes get you to the lake. If you keep straight, you'll parallel the creek and negotiate some blowdowns before levelling off for the boulder field. The other choice is a steeper grade and the trail is rockier with loose dirt, especially in the first half. Pick your way up the rocks, noting trail cairns and evidence of "dirty" rocks marked by boots. The trail at the end of the boulder field is marked by a sign towards the left edge of the main field. Resume climbing steeply in forest then level off to Mason Lake (2.8 miles; 50.9 KB) . There are some nice camps and lunch spots.
Onward to Mt. Defiance. At 3.0 miles, is a junction with the faint Little Mason Lake trail (0.3 miles to the lake). Keep straight for a few tenths of a mile to the junction with the Mt. Defiance Trail. One could turn right for about a mile to Rainbow Lake. At 1.3 miles from junction is the 0.4 mile spur to Island Lake. The Pratt Lake junction is 2.4 miles from the Mason-Defiance junction. Turn left for the peak. Soon, note lovely Lake Kulla Kulla down below you to the right. The way eventually approaches the north side of Defiance and the grade steepens. Switchback up to the ridge crest and swing over to the south face of Defiance. Soon, meadows are reached and flowers!. Just before the trail starts to go down and along the west side of Defiance, note an obvious spur trail heading straight up. Take this quarter-mile long path to the very summit of Defiance (5.25 miles; 5584 ft.). Impressive views!!!!! Take "aerial" shots of the Mason lakes and surrounding country. (48.8 KB)
How to get there:
Take I-90 to exit 45 and go under the freeway and parallel it west on road 9030 to a junction. Keep straight on road 9031, and park where the road is gated.
Pratt Lake
Length (RT): 11.4 mi Diff. Level: mod/stren Elev. Gain: 2300 ft Season: July-October
This is a nice, long hike to a large alpine lake. There is not much camping available around the lake though. The well-groomed trail makes one long switchback through forest to the signed Granite Mountain trail junction (1.2 miles). Keep straight and at 3.1 miles, the spur trail to Talapus and Olallie lakes is reached. Soon after that, as you climb up, the terrain opens up with views down to Talapus/Olallie lakes. At 4.3 miles, a 4100 ft saddle is reached. Here is a junction with the Mt. Defiance trail. Keep right and switchback down through forest and talus slopes into Pratt Lake's basin. Finally, the trail parallels the lake to its outlet at the other end (5.7 miles). Note the large hemlocks down along the lake.
From here, one could go on to other lakes. In just a half mile is Lower Tuscohatchie Lake (LT). Cross the outlet and take one of three trails. One goes up along LT to T lake (1.5 miles from LT). The others go to Kaleetan Lake (3.5 miles) and Lake Melakwa (3.0 miles). The Kaleetan trail branches off to the left from the Melakwa trail. I did the Melakwa one up to the switchbacks (about 2 miles) but had to turn around due to time constraints. Someday, I'd like to do a car shuttle hike from Pratt Lake trailhead to Denny Creek trailhead.
How to get there:
Take the Denny Creek Exit 47. Cross the freeway and turn left 0.2 mile or so to the trailhead parking area.
Granite Mountain
Length (RT): 8.6 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: 3800 ft Season: July-October
This is a superb, steep hike with tremendous views. Bring lots of sunblock as you will be in the open much of the time. Lots of water too! I feel that this and the Mailbox peak trail are far more rewarding than the Mt. Si trail. Take the Pratt Lake trail to the signed junction with the Granite Mountain trail (1.2 miles). Initially, traverse through forest for a half mile before relentless switchbacking starts. As you climb, the terrain gradually begins to open up, and at 4000 ft, the trail levels for an avalanche gully crossing. Avalanche danger is often extreme in this area through June. From here on, you will be in the sun.
Make a long traverse through granite and flowers and then resume switchbacking up to the ridge crest and meadows. Just before you level out onto the ridge crest, the Granite Mt. lookout becomes visible. Cross a tiny creek and start climbing up the draw between the ridge crest. Level out for a bit and note lookout high above (18.0 KB). Soon, resume switchbacking up to the lookout. Just before the top, look for a good viewpoint of Crystal and Denny lakes (45.0 KB). Tremendous views up at the lookout!
How to get there:
Take the Denny Creek Exit 47. Cross the freeway and turn left 0.2 mile or so to the trailhead parking area.
Lake Melakwa
Length (RT): 9.0 mi Diff. Level: moderate Elev. Gain: 2300 ft Season: July-October
The lakes are incredibly clear and beautiful and surrounded by majestic peaks. Plus, you will encounter waterfalls and other scenery along the way. Initially, the trail goes through woods, passing under I-90, crossing Denny Creek. At one mile, it crosses Denny Creek again and leaves woods, entering an avalanche valley (1 mile). At 1.5 miles, Keekwulee Falls is reached and the way then starts switchbacking again, passing Snowshoe Falls. The trail levels a bit and crosses Denny Creek again (about 2 miles) and eventually switchbacks up to Hemlock Pass (3.5 miles).
The last mile to the lake's outlet is easy. You will be passing a trail junction. This trail would take you to Lower Tuscohatchie Lake and eventually Pratt Lake. Lake Melakwa (21.0 KB) is definitely one of the most beautiful alpine lakes that I have ever seen! The water is so clear that you can see the trout swimming about. Admire Kaleetan, Chair, and Bryant peaks. Don't forget to check out tiny upper Melakwa Lake reached just a short bit from the main lake by taking a shoreline trail to your left. Someday, I plan on scrambling up to Melakwa Pass (20.0 KB) which is above the little lake.
How to get there:
Take the Denny Creek Exit 47. Cross the freeway and turn right. In 3 miles, Denny Creek Campground is passed. Just a short bit beyond is a road on your left. Take this short road to its end at the trailhead parking area.
Snow Lake, Gem Lake and Lower Wildcat Lake
Length (RT): 13.8 mi Diff. Level: Strenuous Elev. Gain: 1900 ft in; 1500 ft out Season: July-October
This is a great long hike for those who like a lot of exercise and views. My favorite of the lakes was easily Gem Lake which is just another 1.5 miles from Snow Lake. The trail initially cuts straight in then it turns a sharp left and starts going up the valley. The way soon goes through an open area that was caused by an avalanche some years ago and then re-enters woods with occasional open areas with views. At 1.5 miles, a junction is reached. Here one could go straight half mile or so and scramble down to Source Lake or continue on to Snow Lake by taking a sharp right. The next half mile is steep with switchbacks to a 4400-foot saddle. Drop 400 ft in another half mile to Snow Lake. Respect fenced off areas to allow revegetation. Go along the lake and momentarily leave it to another junction (3.0 miles) which is signed Rock Creek trail that leads to the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River trail. Keep left and soon the way curves back towards the lake paralleling the outlet then the stream is crossed via footlogs to the lake's shore. This is where I like to have lunch. Enjoy the magnificent peaks surrounding the large alpine lake.
The trail begins to move away from Snow Lake soon after the creek crossing. Climb moderately through open woods and the way then levels into heather country. Be sure to look back for views of Snow Lake. Soon lovely Gem Lake (5.0 miles; 29.5 KB) is reached. Lots of nice lunch spots. The trail swings around the right side of the lake and climbs up to a 5000-foot pass. Drop 600-700 feet via a series of switchbacks through forest to a large, open rocky area. Keep track of the trail via cairns and re-enter woods. You will pass a tiny pond and drop some more to 3900-foot Lower Wildcat Lake (6.9 miles; 33.7 KB). Area around the lake is somewhat marshy. There were lots of mosquitos here so I didn't stay long! There isn't much in the way of views down here but the exercise was worth it.
How to get there:
Take I-90 to Exit 52 at Snoqualmie Pass. Turn left onto the Alpental Road for 2 miles to the large trailhead parking area just past the skiing area.
Pacific Crest Trail (from Snoqualmie Pass to Ridge and Gravel Lakes)
Length (RT): 14.8 mi Diff. Level: Strenuous Elev. Gain: 2700 ft Season: late July-October
This a superb, scenic hike with spectacular views. In addition, you have to go through a precarious stretch known as the Kendall Katwalk that traverses a cliff. Initially, you will start on a short spur trail that connects to the actual PCT. Keep left and climb moderately through forest. Then you will drop into a boulder field (about 2 miles). At 2.75 miles, the signed Commonwealth Basin trail junction is reached. Keep right and soon begin switchbacking steeply. You will level out a bit, cross a creek and enter an open area. Then continue to switchback up through woods to the crest of Kendall Ridge. Soon, forest is left behind as you do a long traverse towards the pass between Red Mountain and Kendall Peak (43.0 KB).
When I reached the pass I was "blown away" by the scenery! I loved the vivid coloration of Red Mountain. Past that, the way swings around, dropping a bit before climbing back up to the crest of the ridge. Here, the PCT positions itself along the other side of the ridge and reaches the famous Kendall Katwalk (about 6.25 miles; 22.0 KB). I wouldn't want to be the trail engineers blasting the trail on a cliffside!. If you should slip here, it's a good thousand foot drop to the bottom. Be careful! The last 1.25 miles to the saddle between Ridge Lake (your right) and Gravel Lake (26.6 KB) is relatively easy, with glorious alpine views. I saw some people fishing Gravel Lake but didn't get a chance to find out how they did. I had lunch at Ridge Lake and noted some trout rising. There is a nice camp on the saddle.
How to get there:
Take I-90 to Exit 52. Turn left onto the Alpental Road and in a short bit, turn into the PCT trailhead parking area.
Rachel Lake and Lila Lakes
Length (RT): 10.4 mi Diff. Level: mod/stren Elev. Gain: 2500 ft Season: late July-October
This a great hike for the fall when the leaves are full of color. There are lots of blueberries up here! Look for the trailhead across the road from the parking area. The first 2.5 miles more or less parallel Box Canyon Creek, at an easy to moderate grade, in forest except for an area of avalanche brush. After that, you will be experiencing an abrupt 1300-foot climb in just a mile. The trail in this stretch is extremely rough and some sections are practically stream beds. There are some nice little waterfalls along here as well and with an occasional view of HiBox Mountain.
The way then eases, shifting from forest to alpine parkland. Just before you actually reach Rachel Lake there is a 3-way junction. The left goes along the lake through campsites while the right is the fork to take for the Lila and Rampart lakes. Obviously, straight ahead is the lake (4.0 miles). There is a nice picnic/swimming spot down that way. In a half mile, climb 500 feet via a series of switchbacks to the crest of Rampart Ridge. Here's a shot of Rachel Lake from Rampart Ridge (26.0 KB). At the crest is a "T" and a sign. Take a right and in an up-and-down 0.7 mile through heather and blueberries, reach the lovely Lila Lakes (35.2 KB). The left goes to the Rampart Lakes in just a mile. That's what I'll do next time. Plus, I plan on scrambling 6240-foot Alta Mountain which is reached by taking the Lila Lakes fork and veering off the trail up the ridge of that mountain.
Update: This last September, Jason and I backpacked to Lila Lakes (66.6 KB) and hiked to the Rampart Lakes and beyond. I'll go over the Ramparts part since I've already mentioned about Lila above. No, we didn't do Alta Mountain. The 1-plus mile walk to the Ramparts is a mixture of alpine meadows and forest. The lakes are just so lovely! We decided to go on to the summit of Rampart Ridge (5870 ft). The route is obvious enough if you pay attention. It's basically a scramble up a rough trail that may require crossing a couple of snow fields. If tread is lost, head up towards the pass. Up there, you'll note that you can take a right and go to the top, or you could take the left. This is the route one would take to go to Lake Lillian. The view of Rampart Lakes (54.8 KB) from the top of Rampart Ridge is just incredible! Here's a shot of Snoqualmie Pass and Gold Lake (51.6 KB). Jason and I decided to take the left option later on. We made it down to the first small lake (40.3 KB), and a bit beyond to where you can see another small lake below. Lake Lillian is the next one after that. My goal is to do Lake Lillian again, but go up to the Ramparts as well.
How to get there:
Take I-90 to Exit 62 (Kachess Lake) and follow signs 5 miles to Kachess Lake Campground. At the "T", take a left onto Box Canyon Road (4930) and go up it four miles to a junction. Keep left and in just 0.2 mile, reach the Rachel Lake trailhead.
Annette Lake
Length (RT): 7.25 mi Diff. Level: easy/moderate Elev. Gain: 1400 ft Season: June-November
The lake is a nice spot for a picnic or a quick dip. Don't do this one if you like solitude. There are two trails here. The nature trail loop is at the east end of the parking area. The one for Annette Lake is just before that. Initially, you'll wind up through an old clearcut and cross Humpback Creek. In 1.25 miles, the trail crosses the old Milwaukee Railroad tracks and resumes into nice old growth forest. The way now gets steeper as you will be gaining 1200 feet in the next 1.5 miles. The final mile to Annette Lake (38.3 KB) is fairly level and provides some nice views of Humpback Mountain.
How to get there:
Take I-90 to Exit 47 and turn right. In 0.1 mile, turn left on road 55 and follow it 0.6 miles to the Annette Lake TH parking area which will be on your right.
Lake Lillian
Length (RT): about 10 mi Diff. Level: moderate Elev. Gain: about 1900 ft in; 700 ft out Season: July-October
This hike offers a nice mix of old-growth forest, meadows, and mountain lakes. Walk road 4934 0.2 miles to a gated road on your left. Take this road, and follow it about quarter of a mile or so to another old road and trail sign on your left. Take this left and follow the road for just a bit before the actual trail leaves the road on the right. It climbs through the clearcut up to another road. Cross the road and resume climbing up in the clearcut. Look for an excellent view of Mt. Rainer here. About a half mile from the road, the trail finally enters nice old-growth forest. It switchbacks at an very easy grade to a junction with the Mt. Margaret trail (5200 ft). Keep straight and take a moment to climb a few feet to the crest of the ridge for a nice view of Margaret Lake and other lakes.
Back on the trail, you'll traverse around the west side of Mt. Margaret and on the north slopes, drop 500 feet to the Twin Lakes (4700 ft; 3.5 miles). There are some nice camps here. The lakes look pretty shallow so I don't know if there's any fish in them. The way drops a bit along an outlet before climbing back up in the trees away from the meadow. Drop another 200 feet to navigate around a talus slope. Finally, the route climbs 300 feet, straight up, to beautiful 4800-foot Lake Lillian (35.6 KB). Just when you level out, take a short left to a nice view of Lake Laura (38.6 KB). Back at Lake Lillian, notice a steep trail climbing up the steep hillside on right side of lake. This is the route to Rampart Ridge and beyond.
How to get there:
Take I-90 to Exit 54 (Hyak) and turn left. On the north side of the freeway, turn right on road 4832 and follow it 3.9 miles to road 4934. Turn left on this road and in just 0.4 miles, turn left into the trailhead parking area (3600 ft).
Twin Lakes/Silver Peak Loop and Mount Catherine
Length (RT): about 10 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: 4052 ft Season: late July-October
Bag two peaks on a day hike! This one offered great views as well as plenty of exercise. If you go in the late summer or early fall, blueberries or huckleberries can be plentiful. The first 1.25 miles traverses along the side of Silver Peak. Then the Crest Trail switchbacks down for a bit before levelling out and passing a small stream. As you start to climb again, now be on the alert. The junction to Silver Peak is easy to miss. I did when I tried to do this years ago. Be on the lookout for a fairly large rock on the left side of the trail where it flattens out for a bit. It should have a cairn (obvious marker built with rocks) built on it. The junction on the right side. It is initially faint, but the way is always obvious. This is the old Gardiner Ridge Trail.
Head up into trees, and after crossing a tiny stream, switchback fairly steeply up in heather/blueberry country. After briefly levelling out, you'll have to climb up rocks briefly, then resume regular trail. The way swings through a potential camp spot and a small pond. Here, you can see first rocky bump of silver peak (35.9 KB) up ahead. Note the trail working its way up that hill. Reach the hillside and begin switchbacking up the bump. Eventually, level out and note the actual summit ahead of you. As you approach the final climb to the summit, note trails kind of branching out. Take your pick. Finally, at one mile from the Crest Trail, reach the impressive summit of Silver (5605 ft). Incredible views up here, including view of lovely Annette Lake (42.9 KB) far below.
Now, let's go to the Twin Lakes. Back at where you began the Gardiner Trail, now turn right down the Crest Trail. After another mile or so, level out in woods and note a sign for Trail 1303 (4500 ft). This is the trail you want. Drop 1400 feet, via countless switchbacks, to the Twin Lakes. Sections of this trail can be quite brushy, and sometimes muddy. Watch out for Devils Club. If you get clubbed, severe swelling can occur. The lakes are not much to talk about. Cross the outlet and pass by a campsite. In a short bit, reach another junction (1.7 miles from Crest Trail). Cold Creek trailhead is 0.8 miles straight ahead. Turn left up Trail 1348. After a bit, cross an old logging road, and resume traversing up the hillside. Finally, at one mile from the lakes, reach Road 9070. Head up the road a short bit, and note an old logging road meeting it. This is the beginning of the Mount Catherine hike. Your cars are just up the main road a bit.
Follow the old logging road up, ignoring the spur branching off. The actual trail begins where the road ends. The well-graded trail switchbacks up the mountain. Eventually, reach the crest of the ridge and follow it more or less for a while. Resume switchbacking up to a clearing. Enter woods again and traverse up close to the top. Finally, after a final steep climb, Mount Catherine's summit (5100 ft) is reached. Great views up here, including Keechelus Lake (34.6 KB).
How to get there:
Take I-90 to Exit 54 (Hyak) and turn right. In about 0.1 mile, turn left and curve downhill along a new development area. In a short bit, reach a gate and drive past a fenced off area. Road 9070 becomes a gravel road about this point, and in a short bit, keep straight at a junction. Follow this narrow road (watch for bikers!) past Cold Creek Trailhead (3.5 miles from I-90). It's on a curve and you'll see a bunch of cars lined along the road. Keep going for another 2 miles to where the road levels out and meets the Pacific Crest Trail (Olallie Meadows). Park along here.
Snoqualmie Mountain
Length (RT): about 4 mi Diff. Level: Very Strenuous Elev. Gain: about 3200 ft Season: July-October
The views from top of 6278-foot Snoqualmie Mountain are just awesome!!! Except for Mt. Thompson, this is the highest peak in the Snoqualmie Pass area. The unsigned, but obvious trail begins about 50 feet to the right of the famous Snow Lake trail. Along the way, you'll pass signs warning you about avalanche control activity. This is a rocky, steep trail so be sure to wear sturdy boots!
Ok, you'll finally reach an open area with large rocks and a cliff in the background. Be on the alert for a tree with a sign nailed to it. You will want to keep left at the "fork" for Snoqualmie Mountain. The right fork is, initially, a rock scramble marked by cairns. Initially, the left fork is a bit vague, but it soon becomes obvious. The way climbs up along the open area and then heads into the woods, dropping to a dry creek bed. Apparently there is a nice waterfall here when there is water.
Climb steeply in woods to a level bench. Resume climbing and switchback up above the forest. Here you will see first good views of Guye Peak, Cave Ridge, and of course, the ridge leading towards summit of Snoqualmie Mountain. I noticed a lot of tiny toads in this area. From now on, you are in the open and the views only get better! Finally, traverse up the side of the summit ridge to the top. Wow!!!!!!!!!! Notice Snow Lake (46.3 KB) and Snoqualmie Pass (26.0 KB) far below you!.
Be sure to visit Phil Spory's web site. In the fall of 1999, he wrote up an account of this hike. He has some excellent photos and additional details regarding Cave Ridge area. I didn't have the chance to check out Cave Ridge, but will try to next time.
How to get there:
Take I-90 to Exit 52 at Snoqualmie Pass. Turn left onto the Alpental Road for 2 miles to the large trailhead parking area just past the skiing area.
Please contact evergreenhiker17@yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments.
This page was last updated on 8/9/2004.
© John J. Maher IV