CHS 2 Hike - Wildcat Lakes

Location: Snow Lake Trailhead

Meeting Time:  7:30am   Boots on the Trail:  7:45am

Directions:  Use google maps for directions to Snow Lake Trailhead.  The WTA recommends these directions:  Drive on I-90 to exit 52. Take this exit and head for Alpental Road. This is a left turn when eastbound and a right when westbound. Continue about 1.5 miles to the parking lot and trailhead. Note that this is the trailhead to one of the most popular hikes in Washington. You will have lots of company on the majority of this hike.

 Parking Pass:  Federal Northwest Forest Pass/America the Beautiful. You can purchase an annual pass or print a one day pass or an electronic pass here.

 Carpooling: Meet at Tibbetts Valley Skatepark in Tibbetts Valley Park, 1600 Newport Way NW, Issaquah, WA 98027  at 6:15am.  Load up and depart by 6:30am.  Google maps will provide accurate driving directions to Issaquah Tibbetts Valley Skatepark.  Its approximately 45 minutes to the trailhead.

 Route:  https://www.gaiagps.com/public/Gfz6WsQsLyVkXdG72wFgO6qy

Weather: Please check the local weather the night before and the morning of the hike at NWS for Snow Lake to Upper Wildcats Lakes.  If the trail conditions and or the weather is unfavorable, the hike will be canceled or rescheduled for a different location.

Sturdy water-proof footwear and trekking poles are REQUIRED! You must bring trekking poles and be prepared to use them for water crossing and traversing the very steep sections of this trail. If you are not prepared to use trekking poles, then please consider joining another hike. 

Vault toilets are available at the trailhead.

Please bring small, energizing snacks that are easily consumed during our short 5-minute breaks that you can eat on the go! We will need to be very cautious as we hike down to Lower Wildcat Lake as there are steep drop offs on the seemingly endless switchbacks into this alpine basin. A treat will be provided during our lunch break, a well-deserved energizing GF treat after our very steep ascent to Upper Wildcat Lake.

My co-leader, Phoebe, and I, are looking forward to sharing this 4-Alpine-Lakes hike with you. More details about this hike will be provided in the “Hello Hiker” email.