Midweek hike Snow Lake Adventure Hike ! Beautiful views !!

There is no shortage of beautiful fall foliage in Washington. The lush green aspens, maples, larch, and willow transition into to vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds and transform some of our favorite landscapes to their most brilliant states.

If the fall colors aren't enough to lure you to the trails, autumn is one of the best seasons for adventure for a number of reasons: fewer crowds, fewer bugs, crisp air, and the chance to see migrating animals. Sure, you might need a rain jacket, but more rain makes for better waterfalls.

Gem Lake is nestled at the foot of Wright Mountain and is about two miles beyond the trail junction at Rock Creek trail #1013.1 that intersects with the Snow Lake trail starting at Alpental. Beautiful colors surround the lake in autumn as do the many climbable peaks in the area.

If you're coming from Snow Lake, follow the Main Trail (there are signs) all the way around the lake. Eventually, you'll see the sign for Gem Lake where you take a left and continue past a couple more views of Snow Lake, including over a log bridge.

The trail takes you up again for about a mile, through another rock field and some mountain meadows until you reach Gem Lake, which rests at a higher elevation than it's much larger neighbor, Snow Lake.

Come join my pal Grace and her gang on an adventure close to home.

A 10-mile trip hike with 2200 feet of elevation gain. Hike through dense second-growth forest with occasional views of Mountains. The trail is typically in good condition thanks to work done by WTA. You will come across wonderful, unobstructed views of the lake and Peaks standing tall in the distance.

Lovely hike on a clear, Winter day. Fog blanketed the low lands of Snohomish County, but it was completely clear up valley. The trail is nicely graded with a soft footbed and looks fairly new.
I’d recommend this one to almost anyone who’s in reasonable shape. We saw some interesting mushrooms and beautiful 360 views from the top. Best of all, it wasn’t too crowded and people were all respectful of Covid.

Trail up to ridge was slow going because it was so busy. Trail was in pretty good shape here, given the recent precipitation. Some major puddles on the stair sections. No problem with sturdy hiking shoes/boots. Not so good for people in sneakers. Slippery slush on the way down from the ridge to the lake. Hiking poles were helpful. From lake to Middle Fork trail intersection the trail was mostly dry.

From then on, the trail was very muddy. Shoes with good traction highly recommended. No snow until we reached Gem Lake. Crowds: Most people turned around either at the ridge or at the big boulder that is about five minutes hike past the creek crossing down by Snow Lake. After that, the trail no longer felt crowded. Overall, a great fall hike, given the right footwear.

Please indicate if you are willing to drive and how many can you fit. Preference to larger vehicles. **Parking Fee or Discovery Pass, Northwest Forest Pass Needed.

Things to Pack: Bring hiking shoes, Microspikes, Poles Jacket, warm clothing with layers, extra pair of socks, change of clothes, water, snacks, etc.

If you plan on being a rider please bring $20 for your driver towards gas, park entrance fees etc. Also bring a bag to place your boots in after the hike.

Important: You and you alone are responsible for your own safety. Please know your abilities before signing up. Come join new and old friends in the Washington Mountains .

CARPOOLING IS ENCOURAGED

You will need to pay for your food and activities while on this trip.

RSVP ETIQUETTE: Since we have limited space I ask that you be considerate of others and commit to your RSVP. Your no-show may prevent someone else from attending and you from attending other limited events like this.

***As far as this event system goes, participation is voluntary and you attend at your own risk, and that Organizers are indemnified.