Sprite Lake via Paddy-Go-Easy Pass
A trek up to Paddy-Go-Easy Pass and Sprite Lake isn’t easy, but the views and the solace are well worth it.
Total Distance: 6.6 miles
Total Ascent: 2800ft (2700ft in; 100ft out)
Highest Point: 6100ft
Total Ascent: 2800ft (2700ft in; 100ft out)
Highest Point: 6100ft
To get there, take I-90 to Exit 80. Head left/north over the freeway following Bullfrog Road 2.8 miles to the traffic circle junction with SR 903. Follow SR 903 16.6 miles through Roslyn and along Cle Elum Lake to FR 4330 just beyond the Salmon La Sac guard station. Veer right, avoiding the campground and continuing onto the dirt and gravel FR 4330 (aka Cle Elum Valley Road) for 11.2 miles to the Paddy-Go-Easy Pass Trailhead on the right. Be aware that a 9.2 miles Scatter Creek cuts across the road and can render it impassable when the water is high. The trailhead parking area is small with room for only a few cars. Privy available 0.9 miles further down FR 4330 at the Cathedral Pass Trailhead. View Google Directions >>
From the parking area, the Paddy-Go-Easy Pass Trail #1595.1 immediately begins a nearly relentless climb to the pass. Enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Boundary at the 0.6-mile mark. Continue climbing as the trees begin to ebb and yield to grassy hillsides with ever-better views of nearby Cathedral Rock, Mt. Daniel, Mt. Hinman and Mt. Rainier.
Reach the pass at 2.7 miles. Officially the trail now becomes the French Creek Trail # 1595. Veer left, following the trail as it traverses a rocky semi-plateau toward the lake. At 3.0 miles, as the trail begins to angle downward, look for a cairn marking a rough path leading up through a boulder field. Veer right and climb to the top of a grass ridge looking down on Sprite Lake. From here, the trail gently switchbacks down to the shore.There's a lot more to Sprite 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!
Reach the pass at 2.7 miles. Officially the trail now becomes the French Creek Trail # 1595. Veer left, following the trail as it traverses a rocky semi-plateau toward the lake. At 3.0 miles, as the trail begins to angle downward, look for a cairn marking a rough path leading up through a boulder field. Veer right and climb to the top of a grass ridge looking down on Sprite Lake. From here, the trail gently switchbacks down to the shore.There's a lot more to Sprite 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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