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September Hikes: 4 to 8 miles, 750 to 2,000 feet gain

Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Course

September Hikes: 4 to 8 miles, 750 to 2,000 feet gain - Lake Valhalla

This hike may count toward your monthly required GoHike course September hike.

Contacts

Pam Jorgensen
Pam Jorgensen
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 7.7 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2mph
We will meet at the Smithbrook Trailhead parking lot (lower lot) geared up and ready to hike at 8:30 AM. 
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.7479, -121.0883 
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 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 on the left. There are two parking lots for this trailhead. We will meet in the first parking lot. Road 6700 is a gravel road with minimal potholes. All cars can access this trailhead.  Carpool/caravan info in hello hiker

We will hike approximately 7.5 miles with approximately 1,500 feet elevation gain on this out and back hike.  The hike is in the forest canopy over rocks and roots, with a steady uphill.  The first mile has 600 feet elevation. The upper part of the hike is on the PCT, which promises to be a smooth tread and well-groomed trail.  There will be minimal/no creek crossings. We will hike up for most of the trail, and then hike down about 400 feet to the lake. The lake has a large sandy beach with wonderful spots to pull up for lunch. Once at the lake, we will take a sit-down snack/lunch/swim break. I love alpine lakes! Pam and I will be jumping in (weather dependent...so let’s hope for warmth and sun). I encourage you to join the fun, either with your toes or full body. Some choose to wear a swimsuit underneath hiking clothes, while others jump right in. Your choice. 😊 Let’s go out with a splash! We will spend a good chunk of time at the lake...30-40ish minutes. 

Route/Place

Lake Valhalla

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Your leader will send out a Hello Hiker email prior to the hike with details on the hike, as well as recommended and required equipment.

Trip Reports