Snow Lake Trail | A Hidden Gem in Seattle's Backyard 💙
Our recent hike to Snow Lake (located within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA) was a perfect blend of challenge and reward. Here's our complete trail diary from this stunning alpine adventure: 📍 Location & Access: Snow Lake Trailhead, WA (About 2 hours from Seattle - prepare for mountain driving!) 💫 Trail Experience: 🥾 Hike Details: • Distance: ~5 miles roundtrip • Elevation gain: 1,200 ft • Difficulty: Moderate (with some challenging sections) • Time: 3 hours 45 minutes roundtrip The Journey: Steady climb through forested trails Rocky sections requiring careful footing Spectacular lake views from the summit Turned back at the lake due to muddy conditions - next time we'll bring proper gear! 🌲 Forest Encounters: • Towering evergreens providing shade • Occasional mountain views through the trees • The sound of rushing water added to the ambiance 🐕 Dog-Friendly Notes: • Leashed dogs welcome • Be prepared for: 3-4 small stream crossings Muddy paws and wet fur Some muddy trail sections 🅿️ Parking & Facilities: • Spacious parking lot (filled with ~30-40 cars on our Saturday visit) • Basic restroom facilities • Pass requirements: Multiple pass options accepted Note: Popular spot - arrive early for parking! 👥 Crowd Observations: • Larger groups than expected • Frequent need to step aside for passing hikers • Prefer quieter hikes? This might not be your best bet #SeattleHiking #SnowLakeAdventure #AlpineLakesWilderness #WeekendWarrior #HikingWithDogs #MountainViews #OutdoorLife #TrailDiary #PacificNorthwest #NatureTherapy