Plan on some exploring Saturday after we set up camp, and Sunday before we head home. See WTA's description of this hike below!
From WTA's Washington Trails Magazine, July 2008:
Lake Valhalla near Stevens Pass is a popular day hike objective offering great overnight opportunities. From the trailhead (3,800 feet), the new trail intersects the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
As you hike south toward Lake Valhalla (4,830 feet), you break over a ridge and get your first glimpse of the lake that could be a garden for the gods. This is an appropriate setting for humming a Wagnerian melody. There are several tent sites around this cold, deep, jewellike lake. Company can be expected as the lake is on the PCT. At the south end of the lake are huge boulders that have fallen from 5,844-foot Lichtenberg Mountain. It is not a technical climb to the summit where you can see much of the Cascade Range from Mount Baker to Mount Rainier.
Hiking north on the PCT 4 miles you'll reach Lake Janus (4,100 feet). It is shallower and might offer warmer swimming water. Wearing foot protection in all lakes is suggested. An alternative to is a hike to Mount McCausland (5,747 feet), named after a U.S. Forest Service district ranger, about a half mile north of Lake Valhalla. When you reach the top be sure to sign the register. Views here are limited.
Map: Green Trails 144 Benchmark Mountain
Directions: About 4 miles east of Stevens Pass on U.S. 2 turn north on Smith Brook Road FR 6700. Drive about 3 miles; the trailhead and parking are well marked. Pleae note that I will not be meeting you at the meeting place, as I am coming from Moses Lake, WA. If anyone is on my side of the trailhead, let me know. If it's not too far off from the travel route, I can pick you up.
**NOTE: A NORTHWEST FOREST PASS IS REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES**
A note I received from someone that was just there on August 1. The bugs are pretty thick at this time. Apparently, DEET is not even working well. Bring any means necessary to keep the bugs off (ie. netting, etc)
“ I do have to say that I was in great company that was in great spirits! Excellent weather (except for when the clouds decended), but a little mist never killed anyone. The fire seemed to burn it off around us and we remained dry! Thanks for coming ladies! I look forward to travelling w/ you again in the future. ”
“ Only four of us ended up going on this trip, but in spite of some pretty hungry mosquitos, Lake Valhalla was beautiful, we had a blast, and Carl was a trooper, hanging out with three girls all weekend. ;-) (He also did a fabulous job of organizing and mapping our route via GPS.) ”
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