Follow the Pacific Crest Trail up snow-free ski slopes through wildflower meadows to an open ridgeline with big views of the surrounding peaks on this hike out to a lonely alpine lake. A perfect choice for hikers of all ages, this short trek has a little of everything from flowers to forest, landscapes to lakes all along trail that can be followed to your hearts content; even it that means the Mexican border.
Total Distance: 4.0 miles Total Ascent: 800ft (450ft in; 350ft out) Highest Point: 3500ft
Take Interstate 90 to the Summit at Snoqualmie Ski area. Westbound, take Exit 52 W Summit, keeping right and veering onto State Route 906 under the Snoq Summit sign. Almost immediately turn left into the gravel parking area. Eastbound, take Exit 53 East Summit, turning left onto the unsigned Yellowstone Road. Pass under I-90 and turn right on State Route 906 toward Alpental Summit West. Continue 0.5 mile to the parking area on the left. Once on the gravel, drive 0.3 mile to the back end of the largest lot to find the trailhead. View Google Directions >>
From the trailhead, follow the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 as it enters a short stretch of forest, a short 0.2-mile jaunt to the open slopes of the Summit ski area. Wander up the green slopes beneath now-silent ski lifts and over small streams bring the last of the spring melt down the mountainside, while watching the floral show unfold along the way. As you work your way up toward the ridgeline, the views get better and better. As you reach the ridgeline the northern horizon is filled with familiar summits: starting with hulking Snoqualmie Mountain to the east, followed by Guy Peak, distinctive Red Mountain, the Kendall Peak and finally Mount Margaret to the northwest.
There's a lot more to Lodge & Beaver Lakes, and you can learn all about it in Washington Wildflower Hikes: 50 Destinations. 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!