Hester Lake via Dingford Creek Trail #1005
A tough but rewarding hike out to a remote and wild alpine lake.
Total Distance: 10.4 miles
Total Ascent: 2500ft
Highest Point: 3900ft
Total Ascent: 2500ft
Highest Point: 3900ft
Take Exit 34 off I-90 and take a left on 468th Ave. Follow the road past the truck stop for about a half-mile until you reach SE Middle Fork Road, also known as Forest Road 56. Turn right and follow the road for a few twists and turns, keeping left when the road splits. After 2.2 miles reach SE Dorothy Lake Road. Turn left and continue 12 miles, crossing the Taylor River. Once across, FR 56 veers to the right at the new Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead. Veer right onto FR 56 (sometimes labeled FR 5620 or Dingford Creek Road) and continue for about five miles to the Dingford Creek Trailhead. View Google Directions >>
Begin from the Dingford Creek Trail, following the steep trail as it begins its ascent up the mountainside. Cross into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness at 0.7 miles and trade young, second generation cedars for stands of ancient firs, bearded with wispy moss. Push onward and upward through the old growth to the junction with the Hester Lake Trail #1005.1 at the 2.9-mile mark. Veer right for Hester Lake.
From the junction, the trail almost immediately becomes rougher, with a series of three large creeks cutting across the trail. Depending on the time of year, these crossings may require some wading. Blowdowns are also common on this trail and it is not cleared often, so expect to be climbing up, over, and around obstacles as you press deeper into the creek valley. Soon find yourself climbing steeply up a series of switchbacks that eventually pass by two small ponds before delivering you to the shores of Hester Lake near the lake outlet. There's a lot more to Hester Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
From the junction, the trail almost immediately becomes rougher, with a series of three large creeks cutting across the trail. Depending on the time of year, these crossings may require some wading. Blowdowns are also common on this trail and it is not cleared often, so expect to be climbing up, over, and around obstacles as you press deeper into the creek valley. Soon find yourself climbing steeply up a series of switchbacks that eventually pass by two small ponds before delivering you to the shores of Hester Lake near the lake outlet. There's a lot more to Hester Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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