Snow Lake Trail, Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Described as the best hike near Seattle, Snow Lake Trail is the most frequented hike in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, in the Central Cascades Mountains, it is well worth the long drive from Coeur d’Alene.
I have a habit of needing to just leave. To not be at work, to not be at home. To not be responsible or accountable or accounted for. So, one time I got on the road and went to find the Snow Lake Trail. The trailhead is not too far off I-90, making the drive from North Idaho to western Washington very easy. The trailhead parking lot is huge, with bathrooms and maps. There was a park ranger there to ensure that all users had the appropriate national forest pass to use the area. The trail to the lakes is not very difficult, at a little over 7 miles and less than 2,000 of elevation gained. No wonder it is named the most frequented trail near Seattle.
Oh. And I am sure this view also has something to do with it! After what seems like a pretty short hike up the mountain, the view suddenly breaks into this incredible scene and seems like a painting and not real life.
Snow Lake has been an attraction for outdoors people for a long time. The area has been used for mining and a few cabins were built there a long time ago. When you are at the lake, you will find the fireplace and parts of the foundation that remain from a cabin built by Aldrich Fenton. It was abandoned after snow collapsed the roof and it is now a spot to rest when you make it to the lake.
This lake is so beautiful is just feels unreal. The snow-capped mountains and the tiny pines (it takes a very long time for trees to grow in alpine areas, so even though they are small, it does not mean they are young) surrounding it make it so magical, and the ice cold water from mountain runoff is crystal clear.
Snoqualmie Falls Trail
While in Snoqualmie, it is a must to go see the falls!
The waterfall is near the Salish Lodge and there are are a few parking lots. The waterfall is 270′ tall and it is about a one mile hike to get to it. There is a lower parking lot for ADA access. Nearly 2 million people visit this waterfall each year, so do not expect to have it to yourself.
The falls have a long history of attracting people, beginning with local tribes using the location for seasonal meetups. The falls have been used for transporting goods, including bacon and timber. In the late 1800’s, the falls began being used as another source of power – electricity. The falls remain as a source of electricity today, using much of the original engineering.
It is feeling like it is time for another spontaneous adventure. I am headed to Wallace, Idaho tomorrow, which is the opposite direction that Snow Lake is from Coeur d’Alene. That sounds about right – right? It will not be too much of a wild time, sadly, but it will be a time. For that, I am thankful.