Dorothy Lake Trail
Dorothy Lake Trail (#1072) is a long one-way hiking route in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, near Skykomish, Washington. The trail is designed for hikers and uses designated ground tread; the route is tied to trail reference TR 1072.
Start from the Dorothy Lake Trailhead accessed via Miller River Road (FS Road #6410). The approach road can be washed out about 4 miles from the trailhead; plan your parking/approach accordingly and don’t assume the final miles are passable after heavy rain or flooding.
The route enters Alpine Lakes Wilderness and climbs through densely shaded forest before reaching the Dorothy Lake outlet. The lake segment runs along the eastern edge for about two miles, then the route continues past the inlet.
After the Dorothy Lake inlet, the trail climbs over a steep ridge to Bear and Deer Lakes, about a mile from the inlet. From there, the Dorothy Lake Trail ends at Snoqualmie Lake and continues on the Snoqualmie Lake Trail 1002 toward Taylor River Road near the Interstate-90 corridor.
At the lake area, expect Lake Dorothy access tied to the eastern edge traverse rather than frequent shoreline walkways; the trail reaches the outlet after roughly 1.5 miles and then follows the lake for another two miles.
For permits and group rules: Alpine Lakes Wilderness requires a self-issue permit for day and overnight use from May 15 to October 31. Hiker-only restrictions apply in Alpine Lakes Wilderness; party size is limited to 12, and dogs must be on a leash.
Practical logistics: camp in established campsites, and campfires are prohibited at Dorothy Lake. There’s no potable water at the trailhead; also note the trailhead facilities include a vault toilet.
Preparation focus: if weather is wet or the ground is saturated, the steep climbing sections and step-like terrain can be slow and punishing—scout or inspect any committal/anchor points you’ll rely on, and check current road and trail conditions before committing to the approach.
More information: Conditions, Visitor information, Visitor information