Squaw Lake
Often a stop on a longer journey, this short day hike is perfect for shoulder-season hiking.
Total Distance: 5.4 miles
Total Ascent: 1400ft
Highest Point: 4800ft
Total Ascent: 1400ft
Highest Point: 4800ft
From I-90 East take 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 for 12.3 miles to the Cathedral Pass Trailhead. Be aware that parking can be difficult on summer weekends, as this is a very popular trailhead. Privy available. View Google Directions >>
Begin by leaving the wildflower filled meadows behind and following the Cathedral Pass Trail #1345 over the Cle Elum River on a sturdy bridge. Marching along roadbed for a short time before transitioning to trail and entering the Alpine Lakes Wilderness at 0.4 miles. Cathedral Rock peeks through gaps in the canopy as you climb and eventually the trail beings to level out near the junction with the Trail Creek Trail #1322 at the 2.0-mile mark. Continue onward along the Cathedral Pass Trail as it again steepens, climbing to reveal long views of the valley below. Reach the waters of Squaw Lake at 2.7 miles from the trailhead.There's a lot more to Squaw 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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