Snoqualmie Lake via Talyor River
Backpack out to a vast alpine lake that narrowly escaped extensive logging and life as a roadside recreational destination. Three-quarters of this hike follows decommissioned logging road as it follows the Taylor River nearly to its headwaters, making it an approachable backpacking adventure for a wide range of skill levels.
Total Distance: 16.0 miles
Total Ascent: 2100ft
Highest Point: 3200ft
Total Ascent: 2100ft
Highest Point: 3200ft
To get there, 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, keep to the left for another 0.4 mile to the end of the road and the Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead. View Google Directions >>
From the Snoqualmie Lake Trail #1002 Trailhead, cross the Taylor River and follow the wide and rocky former Taylor River Road past the Quartz Creek Junction at 0.4 miles. Press onward as road turns to trail, passing over Marten Creek at the 2.7-mile mark and Otter Creek at 4.1 miles. Find the trail markings pointing up to Otter Falls and a short distance beyond cross Big Creek and thundering Big Creek Falls at 4.6 miles.
From the Big Creek Bridge, continue to follow what remains of the old roadbed through mixed forest for another mile to a junction and the furthest reaches of logging activities in the area. It’s 2.0 miles from the junction to the lake, and it is a haul – climbing more than 1,300ft along the way. Once you reach the water, there are a few choice campsites alongside the trail as well as some excellent spots of take in this sprawling and gorgeous lake.There's a lot more to Snoqualmie 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 Big Creek Bridge, continue to follow what remains of the old roadbed through mixed forest for another mile to a junction and the furthest reaches of logging activities in the area. It’s 2.0 miles from the junction to the lake, and it is a haul – climbing more than 1,300ft along the way. Once you reach the water, there are a few choice campsites alongside the trail as well as some excellent spots of take in this sprawling and gorgeous lake.There's a lot more to Snoqualmie 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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