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Trip Report    

Cross-country Ski - Lost Lake

Spring skiing isn't unheard of late February and early March in the PNW as our group worked through shedding the layers of winter while soaking up the changing angle of the sun. Lost Lake is just off the freeway but appears like a trip to the craters of the moon.

Lisa Elliott Lisa Elliott
March 03, 2025
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

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    Spring skiing, you bet! We XC skied this day using the Crystal Springs area to gain access to Lost Lake.

    DRIVE AND GET PASS: Easy 1-90 to North Bend, my first stop. You will need a groomed trail pass sticker for your car window AND a smaller little specialized groomed sticker you put on the groomed trail pass. This needs to be purchased at the Chevron Station in North Bend or online. The ticket for not having one is $100+.

    PARKING: Beyond Snoqualmie Pass and then exit at 62 is the 4 main lots. Park in lot #5 for dog sleds we parked out of their way near the port-a-pots if you can. 

    FEE TO PLAY: After paying for the pass and sticker in North Bend as mentioned earlier, it is free to play all day.

    RESTROOMS: Port-a-Pottys or forest. Please LNT

    EQUIPMENT RENTAL ON SITE: None

    DOGS: Are allowed on the dog sled trail. 

    GROOMED TRAIL: Part of your $25 parking fee covers grooming in this area. The trail is wide. 

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THE TRIP: We started out from parking lot #5 to the west, then around the dog sled loop, next onto the main ski/snowmobile area and then along the Paloose to Cascades section and dog sled sections. At the far end of Lake Keechelus (east) take a left beginning to head uphill on FS Road 5480 to Lost Lake.

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GETTING TO LOST LAKE: Once you turn onto FS Road 5480 it is a gradual climb. There are several great lookouts through the valley and a side road for an overlook of the lake.

Lost Lake itself appeared like the craters of the moon as we lunched within the lake bed.

IMG_4653 2.jpgHAZARDS: Snowmobilers were friendly and cautious as we shared the road, so be aware.

SUMMARY: Food/Water- 10 miles and 2500 calories meant I gobbled down lunch and all snacks I brought. I also drank 1.5L of water so bring a water filter if you want to get it from one of the streams located along the way. 

A great day with Olympia Mountaineers group! Made a lot of new friends and I didn't have to leave planet earth to do it!

Close to 11 miles RT 1000' elevation gain