Hike #4: Lodge Lake Hike
 Intensely scenic - is the best way to describe the short 3 mile round trip hike to Lodge Lake at Snoqualmie Pass. Scenic, that is, if the weather is reasonably clear and the Pass is not shrouded in mist and rain. On a bright, sunny day, the Lodge Lake hike can be a photographer's dream.
While the Lodge Lake hike is quite short, there is a certain physical demand. The trail, part of the Pacific Crest Trail that goes from Mexico to Canada, winds its way under some of the chair lifts at the Pass. While one may object to starting a hike by walking on the cleared slopes of a ski area, the benefit should be obvious. Views! In fact, the views across the freeway to the mountains that form the southern border of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area are truly stunning. The demanding part? The trail gains 500 feet of elevation in the first half mile of the hike. But, hey, it is all downhill from the crest to Lodge Lake. Hikers should be sure to stick to the obvious trail across the ski slope and not get off on the several gravel "roads" that intersect the trail in order to service the ski equipment.
Various turn around spots
Hikers who do not have a lot of stamina should try to make the crest of the ski area. Then, under a grove of trees just prior to the crest, stop to soak in the vast mountain views and have an early lunch. Fr. Chuck lists this as the first place to turn around and head back downhill.
Or, if you have a bit more energy, continue on the trail past tiny Beaver Lake, which makes its home right at the top of the crest. Keep on going until you enter the forest. A small 4 inch square wooden sign with a number "1" is nailed to a tree on the left. You have come one mile. A great place to rest, enjoy lunch and turn around to go home.
Most hikers will have no trouble hiking the final half mile to Lodge Lake. The trail, while a bit rocky in places, is all downhill. One hikes through a magnificent old growth forest during this entire time. Lodge Lake will quietly appear through the trees off the right of the trail. The trail gradually looses elevation, all the while circling about half way around the lake. Once the trail levels out, keep watch for a small metal sign with Lodge Lake printed on it. The sign is nailed to a large tree. Just behind the tree is a fallen log with a three foot section cut out of it. That is the "gateway" to the side trail that goes to the lake shore. This side trail is kind of brushy and indistinct in a few places so keep looking around so you know how to come back to the main trail after your stay at the lake.
The Rockdale Creek extension
Fr. Chuck is aware that a few strong hikers might want a longer hike than a 3 mile round trip. Here you go. After visiting the lake and perhaps having lunch with other parish members, go back to the main trail and turn right. In wet weather the there is about 50 feet of muddy trail shortly after making right turn onto the Pacific Crest Trail. Do not let that deter you. After that the trail is actually better than what we hiked on from our cars to the lake. The trail essentially neither gains nor looses elevation but eventually heads in a southerly direction. Forest views and views down the long valley of Interstate 90 are quite spectacular. After crossing a large rock area you will come to well marked Rockdale Creek. The creek is about 2 or more miles from Lodge Lake, giving you an 8 mile round trip. Put your feet in the cool waters of the shallow creek, take a rest and then head for home.
How to get to the trailhead
Take I-90 to Snoqualmie Pass. Leave the freeway at Exit 52 (called W. Summit). After you exit, turn right and drive a few hundred feet toward the ski slope. Turn right, again, onto the long, very obvious gravel parking lot. Drive as far west as you can on the uppermost lot and there you will see a Forest Service signboard with various messages on it. The trail starts right by the signboard. This is a fee hike. Fr. Chuck will have extra $5 permits for purchase for those who get to the trailhead on time. The trailhead is about 46 miles from church. Mosquitos can be a problem at the lake, so be prepared. Those taking the Rockdale Creek extension will have less concern about the pesky creatures. As always, if the weather seems uncertain, call the parish at 360-886-2229 from 6am on for a "go" or "no go" message. While the views would not be as expansive, Fr. Chuck has found the Lodge Lake hike to be quit fine even if there is a light, misty rain.
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