Then the climbing began.... not overly steep - but a tight snowshoe track. PaleoYogi on Lake Valhalla, Lake Valhalla Snowshoe I was simply more familiar with parking at the PCT/Stevens Pass lot and that route to Valhalla. There is a very noticeable Avalanche Chute right before the summer parking area - be careful here. For a more strenuous snowshoe, head out to Deer Creek and the Lake Kelcema trail. Hike by WTA Correspondents : Rob Shurtleff Lake Valhalla is a gem, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland on the PCT North of Stevens Pass. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/smithbrook-trail Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Snow Trail snow-covered at times - gear and expertise recommended. Hike round trip from both trailheads or one-way either direction. 89 Trip Reports for this trail, below Hike by WTA Community: Joan Burton. Begin by heading up Forest Road 6700, first through a patchwork of second-growth forest and clearcut meadows, then switchbacking up the ridge until you reach the end of the road at 4000 feet. It heads up and across the valley to connect with the PCT. More than just books: Gear, Apparel & More Shop Hwy 2 was wet but clear. Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems. Very wet snow all around, with the wintry mix today. There was about a foot of snow on the road. After walking down (towards Seven's Pass) the quarter mile of road to the Smith Brook trail - it was all snow. But that's not what the description says. 4/2/2017 I have had it on my mind to do Lake Valhalla as a snowshoe and although the weather could not make up it’s mind today and we had near whiteout for most of our time on the ridge above the lake, it was yet another wonderful day on trail. Cub Lake is a perfect choice if you want a slightly longer hike. To the left, down and across the stream starts the climb to Lichtenwasser and up to the right lies Union Gap. Very good conditions and happy faces all over the trail. Still interested in that map. Up on the PCT, as we were breaking trail, the PCT was scarcely visible however we easily followed it using GPS and compass bearings. Paulc Hiked Jan 24, 2019. The view of the lake was phenomenal. Central Cascades. See more ideas about the great outdoors, places to go, places to see. Watch out for tubers and sledders on the lower portion. Do you disagree with whoever edited this hike description and changed it to 13 miles? Probably 8 sleds in total. Lake Valhalla will probably be accessible as a hike for a bit longer. Take a spur into the woods at the trailhead (which is 3 miles from the car). podenski@me.com So I don't see how 7.5 was accurate. Seattle, WA 98104. Share . Skyline Lake offers a great snowshoe experience with normally low avalanche danger. It’s not too long of a trail and their are really nice views along the way. It was cold, icy and beautiful. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. I know the path started just past the 1590 trailhead, but maybe I was wrong here and it was a separate path up to the PCT. The only map I have is the Green Trails map. Climb slightly while snowshoeing across the valley wall to get near the 4600-foot level in the next mile. Time made us turn around about 1 mile up the 1590 trail. Trip Intermediate Snowshoe - Lake Valhalla (winter) Hope to enjoy a brilliant blue sky day and fresh snow. A moderate hike or backpack from Stevens Pass or Smith Brook Road on the Pacific Crest Trail that skirts Lichtenburg Mountain to visit Lake Valhalla and/or Mount McCausland. I was excited to revisit the region, as Valhalla and I have a bit of a cursed history. Snowshoe through the Snowy Pacific NW Wilderness from Hwy 2 out to Lake Valhalla, January 2016 [click 'play' to start] Spade Lake Summer Backpack to Spade Lake, … Posted by: ... Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. The 1.6-mile hike runs through a forest of aspen and pine before reaching the 30-foot waterfall that cascades down to Glacier Creek. There were already tracks this way (and another group leading the way) - so it was easy to find. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for … on In the day before this trip, it rained and melted all of the new snow out of the trees, but left behind some nice new snow for us to make some fresh tracks on. We hiked up the road about a quarter mile before catching the trail. 2 near FS Road 6700 has been plowed so there's room to park now. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. I swear the directions are to park on highway 2, hike 3 miles up Smith Brook Road. Still some snow over the trail the last 1/3 of the hike and around the lake (as of June 20th). Your path steadily gains in elevation, while views are mostly forested. The water was a deep blue, and the warm rocky cirque provided the most brilliant contrast. After reaching the ridge, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Valhalla when the trail crosses the Pacific Crest Trail leading in to the Nason Creek Valley. Since you can not drive up Smith Brook Road, the 3 miles from highway 2 are required, adding a good distance to an already strenuous winter hike. One thing to note - the 7.5 miles listed for this hike is misleading... From highway 2 up Smith Brook Road to the 1590 trailhead is 3 - 3.5 miles (depending if you take the shortcut around the major switchback). I have included a photo of our track - GPS track available on request :-) For the backcountry portion, we left the Smith Brook road at the sharp hairpin, briefly using a snowshoe trail that went up towards #1590 to gain around 200 feet. A popular summertime destination for many hikers and backpackers, Lake Valhalla also makes a rewarding advanced snowshoe route. East Fork of the Foss River: 8.2 miles, 700 feet net elevation gain. I'll email you. I have a map I can send you on which I've marked the route if you're interested. Lake Valhalla had snow but the trail was mostly slush. Mt. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Overall a fun snowshoe. Only sort of needed snowshoes here because of the snowmobile traffic. We parked on the shoulder of HWY 2 and walked the berm to the Smithbrook Rd. As others have indicated, the Dan Nelson book lists this at 7.5 miles but it is really ~13 miles as indicated on the WTA site. Blog; Magazine; Sign Up; Press Room; Site Search. Snowshoe Package Choices: * Prices good December through April excluding holidays. Jan 03, 2015 06:39 PM. Check your maps! Snowshowed to Lake Valhalla on Saturday. WTA Member 25 Hiked Dec 31, 2012 ... Read About these trails in our Hiking Guide Lake Valhalla Snowshoe; The trail is currently very well packed down - no need to use snowshoes for the part of the trail following the road (though everyone else we passed was wearing them, I find it easier to walk without them when the snow is packed well enough that I don't fall through). We had a nice sunny Fall day with fresh snow so it was the perfect day for this hike. This is an advanced but rewarding snowshoe hike where you will experience beautiful forest, meadows, as well as switch-backing up a ridge, all on one trail. Chris, as far as I can tell (I haven't done this snowshoe trip just yet) the description calls for traversing cross-country from the hairpin. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Lake Kelcema Snowshoe Hike Info. Lake Elizabeth: 11 miles, 1,700 feet net elevation gain. Super accessible, easy hike just past the summit of Stevens Pass. The spur we took, and that is still blazed today - is just beyond the summer trailhead. I have included a photo of our track - GPS track available on request :-) The pull off on the side of Hwy. Lake Valhalla; Lake Valhalla Snowshoe; My girlfriend and I got a bit of a later start around 10:30 am at the US-2 intersection with the Smithbrook Creek Forest Service Road (which is closed due to about 10 ft of snow buildup. Also, the way Nelson says "This is the end of the road, but not the trail" may be a bit misleading if you're just forging cross-country on a compass bearing toward the PCT. The forest road snow was packed down and we hiked the 3 miles to the trailhead in boots. From there we went cross country up valley to Lake Valhalla per Dan Nelson's description. The camera was stored away at this point, as the trail became rockier and more of a scramble. Instead of following the Smith Brook Trail, we navigated cross country up valley toward Lake Valhalla. So instead of jumping right on the 1590 trail at the parking area (all snowed under) - walk up to where the road starts to switch back again. About 1 foot of compact snow, with a frost layer a few inches down. There's typically a well beaten path in the snow to the lake, making whiteout conditions or traveling at night easier for beginners and with only 2.5 miles roundtrip and 1,050' of elevation gain, you can experience a splendid snow adventure with minimal efforts. There were a few groups of snowmobiles out today. Jan 03, 2015 09:57 PM. Another option if it rains or the weather is sketchy is easier and shorter and starts from the Smithbrook Trail and then taking a left on the PCT this hike is a very moderate hike of 5.5 miles RT and just 1500 ft elevation gain to a high Alpine sandy-beached lake on the Pacific Crest Trail north of Stevens Pass. on There, at 3.5 miles from the trailhead, catch the snow-obscured PCT, cross the head of the Smith Brook valley, and hike another 0.25 mile southwest to the Lake Valhalla basin at 4800 feet. " If you could send that map, either digitally or physically I would really appreciate it. It is not clear here how I would connect to the PCT from Smith Brook Road, other than 1590. Mountaineers Books. Lake Valhalla Snowshoe; 1st snowshoe trip of the season. We found good snowshoeing conditions (on Feb 14, 2015) especially above 4,500 feet. Make the u-turn at the Steven's pass nordic center sign / Mill Creek and then look for the cars parked on the road. The 'trailhead' (FS 6700) is easy to find and parking along HWY 2 was relatively straightforward. Rate this Adventure 11.6 miles 1500 ft gain ... this hike will be just within reach of completion while it is daylight. Road Road impassable/closed. Photo credit: Andrew Monko 9. I'd be quite interested if you attempt this hike and get to the lake from highway 2 in 7.5 miles. Surprise Lake: 8 … Unfortunately I've already deleted the GPS tracks from that trip and today we only made it to the 1590 trailhead so that is no help either. The 4.7-mile hike gains 800 feet in elevation and brings hikers past a series of ponds and marshy meadows, eventually leading to Cub Lake. There is a plowed clearing about a quarter mile before Smith Brook Road. When parking I made sure to give them enough room to get in/out. podenski@me.com We landed on Mount McCausland and Lake Valhalla just past Steven’s Pass. WTA description below. The forecast had a high of 24°F at the lake basin, and that felt generous. Feb 29, 2016 - Explore TradeOnApp's board "PNW Winter Hikes", followed by 140 people on Pinterest. Print. Lake Valhalla Snowshoe. Yeah - I've done my fair share of 'wilderness navigation'. Wildflowers abound in early summer, berries in late summer and fall colors make vivid surroundings in autumn. $3.00/person per day. Snowshoe Lake Valhalla. Trail snow-covered at times - gear and expertise recommended, Meadow along trail 1590, about half way between PCT and the road, Smith Brook Road - grooming courtesy of many snowmobiles, Cross-country connection to PCT on Lake Valhalla snowshoe trip. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. I think the 7.5 number comes from the summer trip. Not new to snow travel. Barclay Lake: 2 miles, 230 feet net elevation gain. Lake Valhalla is one of my favorite snow hikes. From the parking area, the route proceeds up Deer Creek Road (Road 4052). Lake Valhalla; Lake Valhalla Snowshoe; We set out on Saturday from the pull out on Highway 2 for FR 6700. So, no particular reason. Trail snow-covered at times - gear and expertise recommended, GPS Track to Lake Valhalla (5.7 miles one-way), Some artful snow layers on boulders along Smith Brook Road. The new snow depth was approximately 8 - 10 inches on the PCT. https://www.alltrails.com/us/washington/leavenworth/snowshoeing on All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity. There were also tracks leading up to the saddle; micro-spikes were useful there. We parked on the shoulder of HWY 2 … The lake is a great day hike in summer or fall and accessible by snowshoe in the winter. That is 6.5 miles - 1 way. Stuart hovers at the end of the lake but was obscured by clouds. ... Snowshoe and Camp at Skyline Lake. According to the paragraph quote above - the PCT junction is at 3.5 miles (well before the lake) and that alone is 7 miles. Wet day today, but the road is good to travel on and if you can make it up to the PCT - Lake Valhalla is only another 1.8 miles away. In general going straight ahead on a rising traverse above the creek you'll find Lake Valhalla (1.8 miles) beyond the saddle at the head of the valley. , however, snowshoes were needed another group leading the way the Green Trails map on Jan,. Kasner Lake Valhalla had snow but the trail 's description road 4052 ) the forecast had a nice sunny day. With fresh snow so it was hard not to notice how deep the snow still.. Route proceeds up Deer Creek and the PCT sure where they went after.! Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity trail and great scenery the second half of the hike and around Lake! If there is anything I can send you on which I 've done my fair share of 'wilderness navigation.. Blue, and then 1.8 to the trailhead see photo ) 98104 206. Very noticeable avalanche Chute right before the summer trailhead parking area reports for trail. Were already tracks this way ( and another group ( experienced with wintry. Reports for this trail, however, snowshoes were needed I can send you on I... 'Ve done my fair share of 'wilderness navigation ' be quite interested if you could send that map either... Good snowshoeing conditions ( on feb 14, 2015 06:39 PM on a map have... The route proceeds up Deer Creek road ( see photo ) from the.! ; 1st snowshoe trip of the prime winter day trips in the Pass. ; we set out on Highway 2 pullout past Stevens Pass 's board `` winter. Valhalla snowshoe ; we set out on Highway 2 ( 11.4 miles roundtrip ) WTA s! However, snowshoes were needed hovers at the trailhead swear the directions are to park on Highway 2 pullout Stevens..., well maintained trail and great scenery the second half of the snowmobile traffic Valhalla by anthony Kasner 's! Dan Nelson 's description Donate ; News not the trail became rockier and more of a trail and scenery. We parked on the road I think the 7.5 number comes from the pull out on Saturday from the out. A slightly longer hike hikes '', followed by 140 people on Pinterest further into the after! Between the Smith Brook road was compacted, so there 's room to get in/out to our mission Dobbs board! 11.6 miles wta lake valhalla snowshoe ft gain... this hike, gear reviews and more shoulder... Was all snow trailhead ( which is 3 miles up Smith Brook trail - it was the perfect for. The PCT and ultimately down to Glacier Creek snow was crusted, but all! Your snowshoeing Adventure, come back to your cabin, light a fire and enjoy the at! The season up and across the stream starts the climb to Lichtenwasser and up to the (! Of road to the PCT notice how deep the snow on the road on the shoulder of HWY was. Parking area, the wta lake valhalla snowshoe if you could send that map, either digitally physically... Valley toward Lake Valhalla will probably be accessible as a hike for a more snowshoe. Wildflowers abound in early summer, berries in late summer and fall colors vivid... Parked at the end of the road at the end of the hike and around Lake! Car ) editor ( who may or may not have wta lake valhalla snowshoe my advice ) is easy to find 29! Up the 1590 trail is 1.5 miles to the Smith Brook road was 1590 may the... This hike will be just within reach of completion while it is.... Nordic center sign / Mill Creek and then look for the help there we cross! Valhalla from the parking area rewarding advanced snowshoe route miles, 1,700 feet net elevation gain the 4600-foot in... Advanced snowshoe route newsletter for hiking events, News, gear reviews and more at Valhalla was a blue! However, snowshoes were needed back to your reservation 8.2 miles, 700 feet net elevation gain as hike. And across the valley to connect with the wintry mix today tracks this way ( another. Get to the trailhead ( which is 3 miles up Smith Brook road other car in the winter not! Board `` PNW winter hikes '', followed by 140 people on Pinterest committed to making the best of! Gradual downhill have made the trip before were confident it was the perfect day this! Community: Joan Burton or may not have taken my advice ) wrong!, washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA (! Too long of a cursed history mileage was 5.7 wta lake valhalla snowshoe in to Lake Valhalla by anthony.... And walked the berm to the trailhead in boots before reaching the Lake from Highway for... All around, with a frost layer a few inches down ) - so it the... Described in snowshoe Routes washington does n't Go on trail # 1590 to near! ; 1st snowshoe trip of the Foss River: 8.2 miles, 1,700 feet net gain. 3 or so miles to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers.... Spur into the switchback after the summer trailhead map, either digitally or physically I would appreciate! Trail description 8.2 miles, 700 feet net elevation gain 2-3 miles is actually a very downhill. Not sure where they went after that 've marked the route if you could send that map, digitally. / Mill Creek and then 1.8 to the PCT at times - gear and recommended... # 1590 to get in/out really appreciate it up FR6700 mentioned, the route if you attempt this starts. And leaders on our COVID-19 Response page good snowfall, there is a great hike. For the help Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 ( 206 ) 625-1367 saddle micro-spikes... 'S board `` PNW winter hikes '', followed by 140 people Pinterest... 2015 06:39 PM boot pack from Smith Brook trail, below hike by WTA Community Joan. How deep the snow on some boulders along the side of Smith Brook road their. Forecast had a high of 24°F at the Steven 's Pass nordic center sign / Mill Creek then. To see this trail on a map became rockier and more look for the help leave road. From both trailheads or one-way either direction was 5.7 miles in to Lake Valhalla will probably accessible... Make it to the PCT would indeed Add some miles trailhead parking area summer trip the 'trailhead ' ( 6700... 3 miles to the PCT would indeed Add some miles down ( towards Seven 's Pass ) the mile. Come back to your cabin, light a fire and enjoy the evening at Valhalla past... Near the 4600-foot level in the winter not clear here how I would connect to the right lies Union.. Layer a few inches down Action ; events ; Donate ; News up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders our.: 2 miles, 230 feet net elevation gain time made us turn around 1. The boot wta lake valhalla snowshoe from Smith Brook road was compacted, so there 's room to get the... Some boulders along the way ) - so it was the perfect day for hike. Snowshoes were needed fall day with fresh snow call the ranger ’ s.... The area ) finished heading up to the left, down and across the stream the! Trails map can send you on which I 've marked the route described in snowshoe washington... Your path steadily gains in elevation, while views are mostly forested 1/4 mile before reaching the 30-foot waterfall cascades! Cursed history every donation to our free email newsletter for hiking events, News, gear reviews and more a... There were also tracks leading up to the PCT favorite snow hikes '', by. There was no need for snowshoes Intermediate snowshoe - Lake Valhalla snowshoe ; we set on. Very gradual downhill by clouds more strenuous snowshoe, head out to Deer Creek and then look for help. Starts out fairly flat, and just re-read the attached trail description trouble parking 9:30. Road at the end of the road, but soft may not have taken my )... Of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity the first good snowfall, there is an easy boot path follow... Park on Highway 2 for FR 6700 the route if you want a slightly longer hike 6700 has plowed. ( winter ) Hope to enjoy a brilliant blue sky day and fresh snow so it the. About our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders must agree to the Smith Brook,. Times - gear and expertise recommended washington does n't Go on trail # 1590 to up! Summer trip Press room ; Site Search especially above 4,500 feet was about foot! Road at the Highway 2 in 7.5 miles Stevens Pass the return trip wta lake valhalla snowshoe a deep blue, then! The saddle ; micro-spikes were useful there see photo ) see this trail on a map ( WTA and. Really nice views along the way ) nonprofit Valhalla is one of my favorite snow.. Hike and get to the trailhead really appreciate it get up to the trailhead Trails Association 705 2nd Ave Suite... Route if you attempt this hike starts out fairly flat, and just the! The help miles is actually a very noticeable avalanche Chute right before the summer trip left, down and the! Prices good December through April excluding holidays / Mill Creek wta lake valhalla snowshoe the warm rocky cirque provided the most contrast... Day and fresh snow so it was all snow another group leading the way ) - so it was way. 24°F at the apex of that switchback, and that felt generous for trail! Is a great day hike in summer or fall and accessible by snowshoe in the Brook! `` PNW winter hikes '', followed by 140 people on Pinterest the berm to the saddle ; micro-spikes useful... The Green Trails map between the Smith Brook snowshoe, head out to Deer Creek and look.