Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS 1 Hike - Rainbow & Island Lakes
CHS-1 Hike to 2 gorgeous alpine lakes from Exit 47. Gentle grade, wading potential - bring a swimsuit, wading shoes, or hand towel. We'll visit Rainbow first then retrace to Island for lunch depending on campsite availability and bugs.
Contacts
- Tue, Aug 12, 2025
- Seattle Hiking Committee
- Day Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Moderate
- Mileage: 12.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
- Pace: 1.5-2 mph
- 4 (8 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Wed, Jul 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM
- Sun, Aug 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
My absolute favorite trailhead in the Cascades! Lovely grade and beautiful forest cover for most of the day. We'll go to Rainbow Lake (farthest of the two) first and see what the bug situation is, then if necessary, backtrack to Island for lunch and wading. If you're a fan of alpine swimming, this is the hike for you!
Ascent pace 1.7 mph. We'll descend closer to 2 mph. Bring bug spray if you like (leader does not provide any) and at least 3 liters of water (2 liters and a filter if you prefer. Leader typically drinks a gallon on longer day hikes.)
Join Court for one of her Early Tuesday Outings to beat the crowds and heat and allow enjoyment of birdsong when they're singing. This is a fantastic hike if you want to stay protected from the sun and worst of the heat. Meet at Exit 47 off I-90, at 6:15 a.m., ready for introductions and stretches at 6:20 so we can be walking by 6:30 a.m.
Early start is to make it more possible that we beat downtown Seattle rush hour traffic in the afternoon.
Carpooling will be arranged in Hello Hiker email.
Pratt Lake Trail
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Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass Gateway No. 207S
USGS Bandera
USGS Snoqualmie Pass - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
Ten Essential Systems
- Navigation (map & compass)
- Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water) AT LEAST 3 LITERS or 2 and a filter
- Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)