Search activities
CHS 1 Hike - Snoqualmie Lake

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 1 Hike - Snoqualmie Lake

CHS-1 hike at 1.8-2 mph pace. The first and last 6 miles are very gentle grade; all of the challenge lie in miles 6-9 with 1100' gain. Explore a beautiful lake (and wade!) without much foot traffic, along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie. Bonus: we pass by Big Creek Falls on the way.

Contacts

Courtenay Schurman
Courtenay Schurman
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 17.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 3,147 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2 mph

A fabulous hike protected from the sun. We'll walk the lovely easy grade for 6 miles (gaining 900 feet) to the Nordrum-Snoqualmie Lake junction where the work begins. In roughly 1.5 miles we'll gain 1100' but the payoff is huge: a waterfall on the way up and lovely Snoqualmie Lake, accessible primarily by backpackers. The mostly-level approach will be at roughly 2 mph so we can slow down for the gain.

Bring wading shoes, hand towel, swimsuit if you like. A hike worthy of graduation from CHS!

Join Court for an early Tuesday start: we'll meet at the MIDDLE FORK trailhead, NOT US-2 side (washed out) from Exit 34, at 6:15 a.m. to beat the heat and give us ample time for this lovely outing past three waterfalls (including Big Creek Falls) and, if there's interest, Otter Falls on the way out (an additional 200' gain). Carpool directions will follow in the Hello Hiker email.

Route/Place

Taylor River


  • Green Trails Mt Si No. 174
    Green Trails Skykomish No. 175
    Green Trails Middle Fork Snoqualmie No. 174SX
    Trails Illustrated Alpine Lakes Wilderness
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food) Plan for a long day.
  9. Hydration (extra water) - bring at least 3 liters or 2 and a filter. Leader will carry a gallon and have a filter on hand.
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Trip Reports