Snow Lake

In summer 2007, I hiked Snow Lake with my best buddy who was moving to Boston in just a few days. We loved the hike and were amazed at the size of Snow Lake, as well as the craggy mountains surrounding it. I have been eager since then to hike it again, and did so last weekend when Washington fall colors were in all their glory.

The Snow Lake trail is about six miles round trip, with a moderate elevation gain. The trailhead begins from Alpental at Snoqualmie Pass. You climb pretty gradually through talus slopes, meadows, and trees before beginning steep switchbacks. After the steep, rocky switchbacks, you crest the mountain ridge and get a spectacular view of Snow Lake, then you descend steeply to the lake. It was cold and windy at the lake - so we ate our lunch quickly, gawked for a moment at the gigantic Snow Lake, then began our way back up to the top of the ridge.

Halfway along the trail, there is a cutoff to the Source Lake overlook. Source Lake is a minuscule lake sitting at the bottom of the valley, feeding into Alpental. We decided an overlook of Source Lake was enough, so began the final trek back to the car.

The Snow Lake hike was fantastic for a brisk, clear October day. The colors, though nothing compared to East Coast falls colors, were spectacular and made the scenery look ablaze and lively. It was a little chilly at the lake itself, but the view was still incredible. This will likely be my last hike for the season. Next up, cross country skiing and trying out snowshoeing!

Me with fall colors, mountains in the background, and my fantastic new hiking pants and boots.

The picturesque view of Snow Lake you get after cresting the mountain ridge.

A view from our lunch spot. It was very chilly at the lake, with a brisk wind and temperatures, we guessed, around 35 degrees. Brrr! We ate lunch quickly...

A panorama of the large Snow Lake.It looks like there are little patches of fire from the autumn colors.

Vine maples trees ablaze.

Another spot where it looks like there are little patches of fire at the bases of trees from the fall colors.

A study in color.

I liked the symmetry of this photo with the waning moon in the center.