Day Hike - Lake Valhalla

We will meet at the Smithbrook trailhead  at 9 AM.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

From Seattle, take I-405 to Hwy 522 in Monroe. Drive east through Monroe and onto Hwy 2 east for 58 Miles to Stevens Pass.

To access the Smithbrook trailhead, remain on Hwy 2 through Stevens Pass. 3.5 miles east of the pass, 100 yards after the highway divides there is a well-marked left turn for Forest Service Road 6700. Be cautious when crossing the west bound lanes of Hwy 2 onto 6700. The trailhead is 2.5 miles up Road 6700.

From Leavenworth, follow Hwy 2 west to the well-marked turn off for Road 6700, 31 miles west of town. The parking area for Stevens Pass is just 3.5 miles past the turnoff for Smithbrook.

No parking pass is needed.  There are no privies at the trailhead, although there are some at the lake.

Note:  Leader will be coming from the Leavenworth area so will not be arranging carpools.  You may do so among the other's on the roster.

 Here is the WTA description: Lake Valhalla — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

Starting from the Smithbrook trailhead, we start out with gentle switchbacks up to Union Gap, where we connect with the PCT (you may want to bring some cookies or snacks to hand out to any through-hikers we meet).  We then climb gently to the gap between Mounts Lichtenberg and McCausland and get our first glimpse of Lake Valhalla, shining in the cirque below.  We may be in time for huckleberries along the trail (leader has a hard time passing these up).  Once we reach the lake, we will lunch at the sandy beach and go for a swim (if you like).  Then retrace our steps back to the trailhead.

Moderate 7 mile hike, will go at a moderate pace with plenty of rest breaks as needed.  Bring lunch and plenty of water and sturdy hiking shoes. Trekking poles will be helpful.  May swim at lake if weather is good.

For safety we will all hike as a group so please assess beforehand whether this distance/elevation gain/pace will suit you before registering.