Nordrum Lake

Strap on your backpack and dive into the Taylor River Valley to this seldom visited alpine lake, save for the fishermen that have been making the pilgrimage to stock it for over three quarters of a century.

From the Snoqualmie Lake Trail #1002 Trailhead, across the Taylor River and in 0.4 mile pass the Quartz Creek Road Junction. At 2.7 miles cross Marten Creek and Marten Falls. Reach Otter Creek at 4.1 miles, passing markers for Otter Falls just after a large culvert. Push onward another 0.5 mile to the crashing sound of Big Creek Falls and the surprisingly substantial concrete bridge that spans the creek.

From the Big Creek Bridge, the road continues another mile to a small clearing and a trail junction. The trail leading uphill and to the left leads up to Snoqualmie Lake, Nordum Lake lies straight ahead – walk the last section of roadbed to the edge of the Taylor River which may require a ford depending on the time of year. Blowdowns common along the unmaintained trail with sections that are overgrown or washed out. The trailbed is rough, which makes step sections all the more difficult to work your way up. Persevere for 2.0 miles while climbing 1900ft to reach the lake.

There's a lot more to Nordrum 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!