Josephine Lake via the Pacific Crest Trail #2000
Navigate your way through the Stevens Pass Ski area along the Pacific Crest Trail to reach this pristine alpine lake.
Total Distance: 10.4 miles
Total Ascent: 2300ft (1500ft in; 800ft out)
Highest Point: 5100ft
Total Ascent: 2300ft (1500ft in; 800ft out)
Highest Point: 5100ft
To get there, take Highway 2 to the Stevens Pass Ski Area. Park on the south side of the highway. The trailhead can be found to the east in the parking lot furthest from the main ski lodge. Privy available. View Google Directions >>
The hike begins from the Stevens Pass Ski Area parking lot, picking up the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 (PCT) as it climbs its way through the ski slopes. After two miles of traversing the slopes you’ll crest the first rocky ridge to find Mill Valley spread out before you as well as the Jupiter Express ski lift.
Follow the trail as it gently guides you downward into the valley through talus fields and the occasional clump of evergreens. Ignore the power lines and ski lifts and push onward, eventually crossing Mill Creek and beginning your climb out of the valley. At about three miles from the trailhead, shortly after you enter a quiet forest of hemlock and fir, cross the Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary and leave the slopes behind you. Continue the climb for another mile before reaching a small tarn and just above it Lake Susan Jane. To reach Lake Josephine, continue to press upward for another half mile to a forested plateau and the junction with the Icicle Ridge Trail #1551. Peer down at glimmering Lake Josephine a few hundred feet below. There's a lot more to Josephine 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!
Follow the trail as it gently guides you downward into the valley through talus fields and the occasional clump of evergreens. Ignore the power lines and ski lifts and push onward, eventually crossing Mill Creek and beginning your climb out of the valley. At about three miles from the trailhead, shortly after you enter a quiet forest of hemlock and fir, cross the Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary and leave the slopes behind you. Continue the climb for another mile before reaching a small tarn and just above it Lake Susan Jane. To reach Lake Josephine, continue to press upward for another half mile to a forested plateau and the junction with the Icicle Ridge Trail #1551. Peer down at glimmering Lake Josephine a few hundred feet below. There's a lot more to Josephine 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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