Mirror Lake via the PCT (Snoqualmie Pass area)

Mirror Lake is a pretty lake along the PCT, south of I-90, in the Snoqualmie Pass area. After making a number of long drives recently I thought it might be nice to do something a little closer to home. During the summer months most of the I-90 trails can be pretty mobbed, even on weekdays, so it’s hard to know how many folks we’ll run into but I’m betting it will be fewer than some of the more popular trails in the area. Much of the trail is in pleasant forest but the trail eventually comes to the lake which should make a nice lunch spot and turnaround point.

-Distance: 7.0 miles (round trip).
-Elevation Gain: 1180 feet.
-Pass required: None required.
-WTA link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mirror-lake-via-the-pct
-Trailhead privy: Nope. Closest bathroom is the WSDOT bathroom at Snoqualmie Pass about 7.5 miles before the trailhead.

Meet where the PCT crosses Forest Service road NF 9070 southwest of Snoqualmie Pass at 9:15 AM, ready to hike at 9:30 AM. Gaia GPS labels this location as “Windy Pass” but on Google Maps it’s just referred to as “Mirror Lake via Pacific Crest Trail”. NF 9070 begins life as Hyak Drive E. on the south side of I-90 at exit 54, the Hyak, 906 West exit. From there follow Hyak Drive E. south for about a mile until it becomes NF 9070 then continue on NF 9070 for about 4.5 miles to where the PCT crosses the road. The road is bumpy and a bit rough in spots but should be drivable by any car with caution. There is no parking lot, just park alongside the road.