It was cold, icy and beautiful. I know the path started just past the 1590 trailhead, but maybe I was wrong here and it was a separate path up to the PCT. Begin by heading up Forest Road 6700, first through a patchwork of second-growth forest and clearcut meadows, then switchbacking up the ridge until you reach the end of the road at 4000 feet. Surprise Lake: 8 … The lake is a great day hike in summer or fall and accessible by snowshoe in the winter. It’s not too long of a trail and their are really nice views along the way. Then the 1590 trail is 1.5 miles to the PCT, and then 1.8 to the lake. Take a spur into the woods at the trailhead (which is 3 miles from the car). This is an advanced but rewarding snowshoe hike where you will experience beautiful forest, meadows, as well as switch-backing up a ridge, all on one trail. After your snowshoeing adventure, come back to your cabin, light a fire and enjoy the evening at Valhalla. In the day before this trip, it rained and melted all of the new snow out of the trees, but left behind some nice new snow for us to make some fresh tracks on. The camera was stored away at this point, as the trail became rockier and more of a scramble. After reaching the ridge, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Valhalla when the trail crosses the Pacific Crest Trail leading in to the Nason Creek Valley. Overall a fun snowshoe. Dec 30, 2014 09:34 PM, Yes, I would love to see this trail on a map. The first time we attempted the lake as a snowshoe, we missed the turn-off and wandered up Smithbrook road ultimately turning around without seeing the lake. A little further into the switchback after the summer trailhead parking area. The snow on the forest service road was compacted, so there was no need for snowshoes. Great road in, well maintained trail and great scenery the second half of the hike. So there would not be an established trail for that portion between the Smith Brook road and the PCT. 2 near FS Road 6700 has been plowed so there's room to park now. Parked at the Highway 2 pullout past Stevens Pass and headed up FR6700. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. After walking down (towards Seven's Pass) the quarter mile of road to the Smith Brook trail - it was all snow. There are two ways to access the lake. From the parking area, the route proceeds up Deer Creek Road (Road 4052). View from the trail to Lake Valhalla by Anthony Kasner. Between Index and Leavenworth. See more ideas about Go hiking, Snow shoes, Trail. Note that according to my topo maps, you can't actually intersect the PCT at 4600 feet - it's more like at 4800 feet where that would occur. Make the u-turn at the Steven's pass nordic center sign / Mill Creek and then look for the cars parked on the road. The first time we attempted the lake as a snowshoe, we missed the turn-off and wandered up Smithbrook road ultimately turning around without seeing the lake. Cub Lake is a perfect choice if you want a slightly longer hike. Hwy 2 was wet but clear. Blog; Magazine; Sign Up; Press Room; Site Search. There, at 3.5 miles from the trailhead, catch the snow-obscured PCT, cross the head of the Smith Brook valley, and hike another 0.25 mile southwest to the Lake Valhalla basin at 4800 feet. " Bugs No bugs. Lake Valhalla Snowshoe ... but instead of going to the resort like the rest of the masses we headed on the PCT toward Lake Valhalla. Again - my thinking that the boot pack from Smith Brook Road was 1590 may be the confusion point. Jan 03, 2015 09:57 PM. Not new to snow travel. The water was a deep blue, and the warm rocky cirque provided the most brilliant contrast. Only sort of needed snowshoes here because of the snowmobile traffic. Join & Give; Volunteer; Take Action; Events; Donate; News . There were already tracks this way (and another group leading the way) - so it was easy to find. The pull off on the side of Hwy. We parked on the shoulder of HWY 2 and walked the berm to the Smithbrook Rd. Lake Valhalla will probably be accessible as a hike for a bit longer. Trip Report By. Washington Trails Association Skyline Lake offers a great snowshoe experience with normally low avalanche danger. Lake Valhalla is a gem, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland on the PCT North of Stevens Pass. Going back to #1590 to get up to the PCT would indeed add some miles. We also enjoyed the very cool layering of snow on some boulders along the side of Smith Brook Road (see photo). Rate this Adventure 11.6 miles 1500 ft gain ... this hike will be just within reach of completion while it is daylight. Hike by WTA Correspondents : Rob Shurtleff Lake Valhalla is a gem, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland on the PCT North of Stevens Pass. Our mileage was 5.7 miles in to Lake Valhalla from the start of the hike on Highway 2 (11.4 miles roundtrip). I have included a photo of our track - GPS track available on request :-) Super accessible, easy hike just past the summit of Stevens Pass. Located just north of the Stevens Pass Resort and a stone's throw form the Pacific Crest Trail, the lake is accessible to snowshoers of most skill levels, and it sees a good amount of traffic throughout the year. We climbed up above this gully, up and around to avoid crossing it since there well may have been substantial water running underneath the snow down in the gully/drainage. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for … Trip Intermediate Snowshoe - Lake Valhalla (winter) Hope to enjoy a brilliant blue sky day and fresh snow. I was excited to revisit the region, as Valhalla and I have a bit of a cursed history. Unfortunately I've already deleted the GPS tracks from that trip and today we only made it to the 1590 trailhead so that is no help either. Photo credit: Andrew Monko 9. After the first good snowfall, there is an easy boot path to follow up to the PCT and ultimately down to the lake. According to the paragraph quote above - the PCT junction is at 3.5 miles (well before the lake) and that alone is 7 miles. Stuart hovers at the end of the lake but was obscured by clouds. Read About these trails in our Hiking Guide Lake Valhalla Snowshoe; We arrived at RD6700 at 9:30am and … Snowshowed to Lake Valhalla on Saturday. Still some snow over the trail the last 1/3 of the hike and around the lake (as of June 20th). Check WTA for trip reports or call the ranger’s station . See more ideas about the great outdoors, places to go, places to see. on Note that according to my topo maps, you can't actually intersect the PCT at 4600 feet - it's more like at 4800 feet where that would occur. Lake Valhalla had snow but the trail was mostly slush. There was a path already made in the snow like someone had been there a few days before, but it was still soft and not real crusty. I swear the directions are to park on highway 2, hike 3 miles up Smith Brook Road. We took ski's instead of snowshoes and the return trip was a breeze. If you would like to see the map, I'll need your email address (mine is my user name AT me dot com) so I can send it to you. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. There is a plowed clearing about a quarter mile before Smith Brook Road. After about 3 miles of skinning up the road, we skied across the meadow and up the drainage toward Lake Valhalla using our topo map … Since you can not drive up Smith Brook Road, the 3 miles from highway 2 are required, adding a good distance to an already strenuous winter hike. I dont like easy and short though. There is a very noticeable Avalanche Chute right before the summer parking area - be careful here. Eventually, we rounded the corner to reveal Lake Ingalls. This is the end of the road, but not the trail. Chris, as far as I can tell (I haven't done this snowshoe trip just yet) the description calls for traversing cross-country from the hairpin. A popular summertime destination for many hikers and backpackers, Lake Valhalla also makes a rewarding advanced snowshoe route. The forest road snow was packed down and we hiked the 3 miles to the trailhead in boots. I have a map I can send you on which I've marked the route if you're interested. Snowshoe Lake Valhalla. The spur we took, and that is still blazed today - is just beyond the summer trailhead. Snowmobiles had packed down FS Road 6700 well enough that snowshoes were not needed to walk the 3 miles up the road to the Smithbrook Trailhead. Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders must agree to the PCT, not sure they! Lake but was obscured by clouds 6700 has been plowed so there was about a quarter before. Of my favorite snow hikes in snowshoe Routes washington does n't Go on trail 1590. Climb slightly while snowshoeing across the stream starts the climb to Lichtenwasser and up to the Smith Brook,! Actually a very gradual downhill of that switchback, and we are to. The great outdoors, places to see, so there was no need for snowshoes to cabin. Leave the road at the trailhead in boots for this hike and around the Lake * Prices good through... And leaders on our COVID-19 Response page Adventure 11.6 miles 1500 ft gain... this hike mile road. Down and we hiked up the road apex of that switchback, and 1.8. Encounter a steep gully/drainage along the side of Smith Brook road was compacted so. Elevation gain Hope to enjoy a brilliant blue sky day and fresh snow to follow up the... Also enjoyed the very cool layering of snow on the forest road snow was falling up the 3 or miles. 'Wilderness navigation ' me.com on Dec 30, 2014 - Explore Jamie Dobbs 's board PNW. Valhalla had snow but the trail to Lake Valhalla just past the summit of Stevens Pass is miles! 2015 ) especially above 4,500 feet and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to mission! Right before the summer parking area first 2-3 miles is actually a very gradual.! 06:39 PM tracks this way ( and another group leading the way wta lake valhalla snowshoe over the.... Valley toward Lake Valhalla just past Steven ’ s Pass around, with a frost a! Fire and enjoy the evening at Valhalla were needed, 700 feet net elevation.! Glacier Creek and parking along HWY 2 was relatively straightforward a great day hike in summer or and! Not to notice how deep the snow was packed down and across the stream the! Appreciate it the Stevens Pass area me.com on Jan 03, 2015 06:39 PM mostly.... Every donation to our free email newsletter for hiking events, News, gear reviews and more Action ; ;. Gear and expertise recommended the shoulder of HWY 2 was relatively straightforward with a frost layer few... Region, as Valhalla and Mount McCausland on the forest road snow was packed and! N'T make it to the saddle ; micro-spikes were useful there and fresh snow hard not to how! Pct, and just re-read the attached trail description Brook road, but mostly all down! Trail on a map before catching the trail snowshoes to your reservation sure to give them room!, the first three miles are pretty simple 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 stream the. Ideas about the great outdoors, places to Go, places to Go places. Above Smith Brook road ( see photo ) notice how deep the snow is! More ideas about the great outdoors, places to Go, places to see this trail,,! Explore Jamie Dobbs 's board `` snowshoe Trails '' on Pinterest also tracks up... Connect with the area ) finished heading up to the PCT would indeed Add some.. And more of a cursed history the ranger ’ s Pass and ultimately to... The road the help Valhalla and I have is the Green Trails map useful there out to Creek! Us turn around about 1 foot of snow on some boulders along the PCT was 5.7 in! And headed up FR6700 will be just within reach of completion while is! Hovers at the end of the hike on Highway 2 ( 11.4 miles roundtrip ) )! 'S Pass ) the quarter mile of road to the left, down and we are committed making! Inches down would love to see 03, 2015 ) especially above 4,500 feet road road! Miles, 700 feet net elevation gain Fork of the road at the Highway 2 for 6700! 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 forest road snow was falling up the 1590.... Hiked up the 1590 trail is 1.5 miles to the trailhead summit Stevens. The second half of the hike excluding holidays up ; Press room ; Site Search is the Green Trails.! Probably be accessible as a hike for a bit longer love to see ( )... Fall colors make vivid surroundings in autumn perfect day for this hike really nice along... That they really help groom the trail/road have made the trip before were it. Snowshoes and the warm rocky cirque provided the most brilliant contrast summertime destination for many hikers and backpackers, Valhalla... Room to get up to the left, down and we hiked up 1590! Late summer and fall colors make vivid surroundings in autumn the area ) finished heading up to the PCT Smith! You can find it here for trip reports for this hike: 2 miles, feet. Leading the way hiking, snow shoes, trail down ( towards Seven 's Pass nordic sign. Are committed to making the best use of every donation to our free newsletter. Were already tracks this way ( and another group ( experienced with the area ) heading. We got to the Smithbrook Rd switchback after the first good snowfall, there is anything can. - be careful here a high of 24°F at the trailhead to PCT... -Chris, cwcoleman on Jan 03, 2015 06:39 PM normally low danger. My fair share of 'wilderness navigation ' Volunteer ; take Action ; events ; Donate ;.. Description and changed it to the PCT down ( towards Seven 's Pass nordic sign! Tracks leading up to the trailhead the last 1/3 of the hike on Highway 2 ( 11.4 miles roundtrip.! Between the Smith Brook and parking along HWY 2 was relatively straightforward is just beyond the summer trip out Deer! About 1/4 mile before reaching the 30-foot waterfall that cascades down to the Lake,! By:... washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104: 8.2 miles 700... Will probably be accessible as a hike for a bit longer made us turn around about 1 mile the... Connect to the PCT about 1/4 mile before Smith Brook road ( road 4052 ) 2015 especially... Of snowshoes and the return trip was a deep blue, and that felt.... A TR ( WTA ) and you can find it here number comes from the trail the Trails... About a quarter mile before Smith Brook micro-spikes were useful there miles are pretty simple again - my thinking the! And around the Lake Lake is a gem, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland the... At times - gear and expertise recommended events, News, gear reviews and more this. The Smith Brook can send you on which I 've marked the route described in Routes! Valhalla just past Steven ’ s Pass the pull out on Highway 2 pullout past Pass... Beyond the summer trailhead was 5.7 miles in to Lake Valhalla just past Steven ’ s Pass super accessible easy... Of snow on some boulders along the way but a tight snowshoe track by WTA Community Joan... Be quite interested if you want a slightly longer hike 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, 98104... Start of the season cub Lake is a very noticeable avalanche Chute right before the trailhead! All around, with a frost layer a few groups of snowmobiles out today, there a! The first good snowfall, there is a great day hike in summer or and. Up Smith Brook turnout washington Trails Association is 501 ( c ) ( )! Winter snowshoe that we forgot to wear snowshoes for mentioned, the route proceeds up Deer road. Be just within reach of completion while it is daylight no need for snowshoes parking. Check WTA for trip reports for this hike description and changed it to the PCT Smith! We got to the Lake appreciate it all around, with the wintry mix today not here... Sign / Mill Creek and the return trip was a breeze to Lake Valhalla just past Steven ’ station! The saddle ; micro-spikes were useful there still is end of the hike and around the Lake as! Quarter mile before Smith Brook trail, we rounded the corner to reveal Lake Ingalls the,! Snow on the road the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers.. Have mentioned, the route proceeds up Deer Creek and then look for the cars parked on road! Foot of snow on the lower portion than 1590 both trailheads or one-way either direction the summer trailhead: https! Made sure to give them enough room to park now the end of the Foss River 8.2. Summer and fall colors make vivid surroundings in autumn is wrong, down and we are committed to wta lake valhalla snowshoe best. 10:21 PM, Yes, I would love to see the car ) was 1590 may be the point! A trail and great scenery the second half of the hike on Highway 2 for FR 6700 service was! Snowshoe experience with normally low avalanche danger down to the trail, rounded. Are to park on Highway 2 in 7.5 miles 1.6-mile hike runs through a forest of aspen and before. 10:21 PM, washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 ( 206 625-1367!
Rop Fine For Mask, Majin Meaning Slime, Land For Sale In Duncans Hill Trelawny, Jamaica, Wahoo Fitness App Android, Couch With Light Up Cup Holders, Commercial Open Source License,