The Snow Lake hike is one of the more splendid visual experiences a person can have in the central Cascades. If the weather is bright and clear, a person discovers that they are walking in the midst of crags so close at hand it feels that you can touch them. In a gentle mist, the Snow Lake hike gives one the sensation of walking through a Japanese painting. Good weather brings out crowds (up to 65,000 people a year take this hike). Misty weather gives the trail a more isolated feeling. Take your pick since they are both good.
What to expect The guide book, "55 Hikes Around Snoqualmie Pass" says that the Snow Lake hike is an 8 mile round trip. A sign at the trailhead says that the hike is a 6 mile round trip. People who has a definite feel for mountain mileage claim that the lesser mileage figure is definitely the most accurate.
Parking is quite ample in the Alpental ski area parking lot. The beginning of the trail is immediately opposite the upper entrance to the parking lot. A parking permit is required. The hike leader will have permits for those who do not have one. If you need a permit, do not be late!.
The trail alternates between being in wonderful old growth forest and open areas formed by winter avalanches. Elevation gain is fairly gentle at first since the trail works its way almost due west, following the natural rise of the V-shaped valley. Hikers should stop once in a while and soak up the views of steep cliffs and toothy peaks that hem one in on all sides. One of the peaks that hikers will pass is actually called The Tooth! For people who do not want to go the entire distance to the official turnaround point, a stop anywhere along the first two miles will provide one with a good lunch spot and exciting views.
After two miles of this lovely, slow elevation gain, a small wooden sign points out a short side trail to an overlook that gives hikers a view of tiny Source Lake. Source Lake is actually the source of the South Fork Snoqualmie River. People with bladder issues may find this short side trail their only available relief for the rest of the upward hike.
End of gentle trail. From the trail junction with Source Lake, the Snow Lake Trail suddenly begins a steep, half mile uphill climb to the pass overlooking Snow Lake. Most of the 1,300 foot elevation gain that hikers make in getting to Snow Lake takes place during this last half mile. But take heart. You are almost at your destination. Most of this arduous final half mile is on steep, open slopes. So take your time and be sure to stay hydrated. Enjoy the rapidly unfolding views which get more spectacular with each step. No marathon here, so calm and deliberate pacing is best.
It will be quite obvious to the parish hiker when the pass overlooking Snow Lake has been reached. A wooden sign attached to one of the trees will let you know that you are now at the border of the Alpine Lake Wilderness. We used to have the small boulder field at the Pass be our primary turn-around point and lunch spot. Because of the fragile environment, however, parish hikers should not use this are for lunch any longer. The hike leader will designate the current final hike point, whether at the lake itself, or on a more impressive view spot just above the lake.
Please respect the fact that any grassy areas at the lunch spot are very fragile. Do not sit on them. Do not pick any of the vegetation, including flowers. We do not want St. Barbara Parish to be banished by the rangers who patrol the area on weekends. Always pick up all debris, including used toilet tissue, which is to be put into a zip-lock bag and carried out for proper disposal at home.
How to get there From church, the drive to the Snow Lake trailhead is about 49 miles. Take highway 18 to Interstate 90. Drive I-90 east all the way to Snoqualmie Pass, exiting at Exit 52, the first of the three Pass exits. Once you have exited the Interstate, turn left, drive under the Interstate on the Alpental Road. Take the road past a mile or so of alpine residences and go directly to the upper Alpental parking lot at the end of the road. Don't be amazed if, on a nice day, there are a lot of people. There will be a required trail registry at the trailhead. Please register yourself and those you drove with as a group. Groups bigger than 16 people are not allowed. Since we hike as separate small clusters, don't idenity yourself as part of a larger group - even at the lunch spot it will be best to sit scattered about. Dogs off leash can bring a fine of $125.
Families need to stick together. There will be not potable water on the trail, so carry at least one quart of water for each family member. It is better to hydrate often rather than waiting until one has a headache from lack of water. Cans of soda are not as good as water since the soda has to be consumed all at once, leaving nothing for later. Nor is hiking up a steep slope carrying a can of soda a very keen idea! Bring snacks to enjoy, at lunch or along the way. Nice day? Bring a camera! This is real photogenic territory.
Thin soled walking shoes may not be the best for the trail since it is rocky, especially during the final steep ascent and descent. A light sweater to put on while having lunch is a good idea.
The Snow Lake hike is one of the more splendid visual experiences a person can have in the central Cascades. If the weather is bright and clear, a person discovers that they are walking in the midst of crags so close at hand it feels that you can touch them. In a gentle mist, the Snow Lake hike gives one the sensation of walking through a Japanese painting. Good weather brings out crowds (up to 65,000 people a year take this hike). Misty weather gives the trail a more isolated feeling. Take your pick since they are both good.