Lake Valhalla Trailhead — Attraction in Leavenworth

Got to the trailhead at 9:50 on a Monday morning. I was only the second car in the parking lot and I was shocked. First mile is pretty rocky with some switchbacks. After the first mile it is pretty gradual incline until the turnoff for Mount McCausland. There isn’t a sign for Mount McCausland so just be on the lookout for a trail on your right. The trail gets pretty steep but the colors and views make it worth it. After I lost view of Lake Valhalla I made my way to the top of Mount McCausland. The clouds at the top made for some cool photos. The clouds were moving in very fast with the rain so I made my way down to Lake Valhalla. The views coming down McCausland are amazing. Hiking poles would be nice coming down to save the knees. I enjoyed some snacks at the lake and it started to rain but just a bit. I got back to my car at 1:05. Round trip was 8 miles and 2100 feet elevation gain. Come see these colors now! Saw a total of 10 other hikers on the...

We stop where the GPS sent us when we looked for Lake Valhalla, it was in the parking lot near the ski resort, however we ended up taking the longest trail (approximately 12 miles) which was not our goal since we did it with an 8-year-old child, the trail itself is relatively quiet, and very beautiful, we stop at several points just to admire the landscape, but I would definitely choose to do it by the shortest route, which has an entrance by the Smithbrook trailhead or Mount McCausland.

There was a bathroom at the beginning of the trail and one at the end...

Lots of free parking when Steven's Pass is closed. It's a long 5.75 miles to the lake from there, but it's worth it. Start early so you get some quality time at the lake before you need to head back out. Unless of course you're camping. There are a few established camp sites around the lake and adjacent meadow, but make sure you have the appropriate permits, and bring your backpacking stove as there are no campfires allowed at any time within a half mile of Valhalla. The spots are absolutely amazing and...