Snow Lake

The biggest alpine lake this close to Seattle, which means company — start at dawn. The saddle view arrives all at once and knocks the crowd right out of your mind.

Why choose this trail

A close-to-Seattle alpine lake. From Alpental, climb open switchbacks to a saddle, then descend to the lake. Remember that the return includes reclimbing from the basin before the final descent.

Landscape & habitat

Avalanche paths interrupt mountain hemlock forest and feed a deep alpine lake basin. Those open chutes are flower habitat in summer and serious avalanche terrain when snow-covered.

Access, passes & rules

The Alpental trailhead commonly requires a Northwest Forest Pass. Winter ski-area operations and seasonal road conditions can affect access.

Conditions & hazards

This is avalanche terrain outside the snow-free season. Crowds, heat and limited parking are the main summer pressures.