Backpack to camp overnight at Valhalla Lake near Steven's Pass

Let’s enjoy fall colors and mountain lake beauty on a warm, sunny weekend while we can!
Lake Valhalla is spectacular in the fall with orange-red leaves, a sandy beach on a beautiful lake, and the rocky spire of Lichtenburg Mountain towering 1,000 overhead.
We’ll take the moderate hike from the Smithbrook Trailhead (directions below) to the lake where we’ll camp, explore, and some may even pretend it’s summer and swim at the sandy beach.
The trail begins on Smithbrook trail #1590 with a climb through evergreen forest and mountain ash, immediately entering the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. We’ll follow the forest road for 0.2 miles before reaching a series of switchbacks. At 1 mile we’ll reach a talus and boulder-strewn clearing and listen to the “meeps” of pikas in the rocks.
At 1.3 miles we’ll reach Union Gap at an intersection with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The PCT is signed but Lake Valhalla is not, so we’ll be sure to turn left to head south on the PCT. At 2.2 miles, we’ll pop out of the woods for a nice view of Lichtenberg Mountain. At 3.2 miles we’ll turn left, pass a backcountry toilet, and descend to the lakeshore where a number of camping spots await.
The grade is modest, there is plenty to look at, and the trailhead has an ample parking area off Forest Service Road 67.
Though campfires aren’t allowed, we can use camp stoves. Food always tastes better when you’re camping, doesn’t it?
We’ll leave from the trailhead at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, October 7, to make sure we get campsites; and we’ll plan to arrive back at the trailhead about 3:00 p.m. Sunday.
Wilderness regulations apply on this trail.
Google Maps Directions: Take WA-167 North, I-405 North, WA-522 East ,and U.S. Route 2 East. Turn left onto National Forest Road 6700/Rainy Creek Road in Chelan County.
You are welcome to text Tom about this backpack hike until 8:00 p.m. Friday and perhaps from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday while most will be driving to the TH. Cell phone number will be sent to those signing up for this event. Cell phone coverage at the trailhead is unlikely.
I can't wait!