Trap Lake
A tough trek out to a secluded alpine lake tucked just below Trap Pass.
Total Distance: 9.2 miles
Total Ascent: 2600ft (2200ft in; 400ft out)
Highest Point: 5400ft
Total Ascent: 2600ft (2200ft in; 400ft out)
Highest Point: 5400ft
Take US 2 out to milepost 60. Just beyond the milepost, as the highway begins to turn sharply to the left, you will cross over Tunnel Creek and find FR 6095 on your right. Take a right, following FR 6095 1.2 miles to an intersection. Veer left and find the marked trailhead within a few hundred feet. View Google Directions >>
From the parking area, follow the Tunnel Creek Trail #1061 as it begins a climbing traverse up the mountainside. Push upward, ever upward, alternating between tight switchbacks and longer climbs. Breaks in the canopy that offer pocket views of the valley below. Enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness just before arriving at Hope Lake at 1.4 miles at a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
Veer right onto the PCT, beginning a long traverse above Trapper Creek. Views of the meadow-lined Trapper Creek Valley emerge with Grass Lake drawing your eye and the tiptops of Nimbus Mountain and Slippery Slab Tower emerging up ahead. Rugged alpine landscape passes underfoot as you progress toward the 4.4-mile mark. Here, reach an unsigned junction, to the left is Trap Lake, to the right the trail continues up to Trap Pass. Head left, dropping 200ft down to the shores of Trap Lake, at 4.6 miles.
Alternatively, climb another 0.7 miles up open cliffs above Trap Lake to reach Trap Pass, though the forested pass does not offer views much better than those from the trail. Those still thirsty for adventure can drop steeply down to Surprise Lake.There's a lot more to Trap 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!
Veer right onto the PCT, beginning a long traverse above Trapper Creek. Views of the meadow-lined Trapper Creek Valley emerge with Grass Lake drawing your eye and the tiptops of Nimbus Mountain and Slippery Slab Tower emerging up ahead. Rugged alpine landscape passes underfoot as you progress toward the 4.4-mile mark. Here, reach an unsigned junction, to the left is Trap Lake, to the right the trail continues up to Trap Pass. Head left, dropping 200ft down to the shores of Trap Lake, at 4.6 miles.
Alternatively, climb another 0.7 miles up open cliffs above Trap Lake to reach Trap Pass, though the forested pass does not offer views much better than those from the trail. Those still thirsty for adventure can drop steeply down to Surprise Lake.There's a lot more to Trap 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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