Snoqualmie Lake Trail

Snoqualmie Lake Trail (No. 1002) is a roughly 16-mile round-trip hike in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, reaching Snoqualmie Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The route is managed as a ground-surface trail with an easy overall difficulty rating and is designated for foot travel (bicycles and stock are limited to the first 6.0 miles).

Start at the Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead and cross the Taylor River on a concrete road bridge. For the first several miles you follow the old, overgrown Taylor River Road through second-growth forest, with a gentle walking grade before the trail turns more direct toward the lake.

Around mid-route, you can use Marten Creek and Otter Falls area landmarks as pacing points. The trail includes a concrete bridge at Big Creek Falls, which functions as a common turnaround for day hikers.

At about 6.3 miles from the trailhead you reach the end of the old road at a junction with Nordrum Lake Trail 1004; you turn left there. From this junction the route enters Alpine Lakes Wilderness and continues through the untouched forest corridor toward Snoqualmie Lake at about mile 8.0.

Approaching Snoqualmie Lake, expect the route to become steeper with steep switchbacks. The final approach is the most demanding part of the hike, with rugged footing that requires careful step placement as you near the lake.

Facilities and access basics: there’s a vault toilet at the trailhead, and potable water is not listed at the access point. Day use requires a valid Recreation Pass or pay the day-use fee at the site, and wilderness permits are required for day use and overnight trips in Alpine Lakes Wilderness from May 15 to October 31 (self-issue).

Trail No. 1002 is closed to motorized vehicles. The route is also referenced for winter bicycle use only on the first 6.0 miles; beyond the wilderness boundary it’s subject to wilderness regulations within Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

More information: Conditions, Conditions, Map