The Alpine Lakes
Snow Lake, Gem Lake, Wright Mountain
(Trail description as written by Bill Sunderland, found on the Washington
Trails Association Online website: http://www.wta.org
)
Snow Lake is easily the most popular Wilderness area trail in Washington
State and a prime example of why the Forest Service has considered limiting
access to certain areas. This trail sees tens of thousands of visitors each year
making the low frequency of party encounters that are supposed to be a part of
the Wilderness experience unattainable. There are reasons why so many people go
to Snow Lake. It's close to Seattle, it's a short, easy hike and it is an
unmistakably beautiful area.
Trail #1013 climbs gently for 1½ miles to it's junction with trail #1013.2, the
Source Lake Overlook trail and the turn-off for climbers heading for the fabled
Tooth. Stay on trail 1013 and switch up rocky tread to the trail's highpoint at
4440 feet. Follow switchbacks back down losing 340' as you approach Snow Lake.
Snow Lake is large enough to accommodate all the visitors it receives each
year, but when searching for lake access please take care to avoid those areas
closed off for re-vegetation. Over the years the hoards of hikers have loved the
shoreline to death in places leaving a dizzying maze of boot-beat paths.
Camp sites are scattered and can be found snuggled away in the hills to the
east away from the lake. There are are a few well marked day use only areas that
are a good place to stop for the day.
The Lake sits in a bowl high above the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley to the
east and flanked by massive Chair Peak to the southwest.
The time, distance and elevation gain given are for Snow Lake. If you have
extra time and extra energy I encourage you to continue on to smaller Gem Lake.
Proceed around the eastern shore of Snow Lake to the intersection with the Rock
Creek Trail #1013.1 (the tough and lonely way to the Snow Lake). Continue west
on the main trail around Snow Lake. The trip to Gem Lake adds 1½ miles and 850
vertical feet more of rough and rocky trail, but it provides some of the best
views of Snow Lake as it circles above its northern perimeter.
If you make it to Gem Lake consider that little bit extra and follow the
trail from the northeast side of the lake to the summit of Wright Mountain.
Wright Mountain is a loose rock pile that squats above the northern flank of Gem
Lake. It's not a summit that will impress your climber friends, but you will be
impressed by the views. Look down into the Middle Fork Snoqualmie valley as it
snakes its way toward Dutch Miller Gap. On a Good day see Glacier Peak and the
tip of Baker. You'll likely have this little summit to yourself, even on a crowded
day at the lakes.
Driving Directions: Drive interstate I-90 to Snoqualmie Pass and take exit
52. Turn North and follow Alpental Road 2 miles to the ski area and a huge
parking lot.
