Cramer Mountain Loop

Trip

Day Hike - Dumbbell Lake

Experience beautiful alpine meadows and lakes, stopping for lunch at the best of those lakes, scenic Dumbbell Lake, where the warm clear water invites a swim.

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.8 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 950 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 5,100 ft

Meet at 9 AM at the trailhead in Dog Lake Campground, one mile east of White Pass.  It is reached from Enumclaw by heading east on SR 410, turning right at Cayuse Pass onto SR 123 and left at the T junction onto SR 12 eastbound.  A Northwest Forest Pass or National Park Pass must be displayed by each car parked there.  There are two restrooms in the campground, but none on the hike. 

The first 1.3 miles of the trail, to a stream crossing, are mostly level.  Due to a washed out footbridge, there is a short detour from there to a log stream crossing, where the water is shallow enough to keep feet dry while fording the stream in high top boots.  Time will be allowed to change footwear, for those who prefer to do that for the stream crossing.

After we cross the stream and rejoin the main trail, we soon reach a gradual steady rise that takes us by a viewpoint overlooking Dog Lake and after a mile levels out in an alpine plateau, In another mile we reach large Cramer Lake and then in one more level mile reach Dumbbell Lake, our lunch spot and turnaround point.  Time will be allowed for both lunch and a swim, weather permitting.  This is an ideal time of the year to be there, with the weather warm and the bug season over.

The return hike is by the same route.  On the drive home, we will have the option of a refreshment stop in Greenwater, where outdoor seating is available.      

Route/Place

Cramer Mountain Loop


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  • Navigation
  • Headlamp
  • Sun protection
  • First aid
  • Knife
  • Fire
  • Shelter
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Extra clothes
Trip Reports