Snow Lake Trail

The trailhead for the Snow Lake Trail is located near Alpental Ski Area, accessible from Snoqualmie Pass. Parking is available at the trailhead, but due to the trail's popularity, it fills up very quickly, especially on summer weekends. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a spot.

Yes, a valid recreation pass is required to park at the trailhead. This trail is located within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which is managed by the US Forest Service. You can find more information about required passes on the USDA Forest Service website. Backcountry camping in the wilderness area also requires a permit, which can be obtained through a lottery system.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trail. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Please remember to pack out all pet waste.

The best time to hike is typically from late June or early July through early October. During this period, the snow has usually melted, and the weather is most favorable. Late summer offers beautiful wildflowers, while early fall provides stunning foliage with changing colors.

This trail is extremely popular, especially on summer weekends. To avoid crowds and increase your chances of finding parking, it's highly recommended to start your hike very early in the morning (before 7 AM) or consider visiting on a weekday. Mid-week visits outside of peak summer can offer a much quieter experience.

The trail features a mix of dirt paths, loose gravel, and rocky sections. It begins with an initial ascent via log stairs, followed by a gradual climb through a forested area. You'll encounter a talus slope, switchbacks, and some narrow sections. The last half-mile outbound before descending to the lake is often the steepest and rockiest. Recent renovations in Summer 2022 improved some washed-out areas, but it remains a challenging path with many rocks and steps.

Most hikers complete the round trip in 3 to 6 hours, depending on their fitness level and how much time they spend enjoying the lake. The total distance is approximately 11.3 km (7 miles) with about 498 meters (1600-1700 feet) of elevation gain.

The trail offers breathtaking views throughout. Early on, you'll get glimpses of the South Fork Snoqualmie River valley. As you ascend, prominent peaks like Chair Peak and Kaleetan Peak come into view. Key highlights include the View of Source Lake, the stunning Snow Lake itself, and the Snow Lake Lookout, which provides panoramic vistas of the lake nestled beneath Chair Peak.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Source Lake Trail and connects to other trails like the High Lakes Trail, which leads to Gem and Wildcat lakes, offering options for longer adventures.

While rated as moderate, the continuous elevation gain and rocky sections can be challenging for absolute beginners or very young children. Families with some hiking experience and children who are accustomed to longer walks with elevation changes will likely enjoy it. The high reward of the lake views makes the effort worthwhile for many.

Winter hiking on this trail is only recommended for experienced individuals equipped with appropriate gear, such as snowshoes or microspikes, and knowledge of avalanche safety. The area can have high avalanche risk in steep terrain, especially below the summit, and conditions can change rapidly.