Type of Hike Day hike. After walking down (towards Seven's Pass) the quarter mile of road to the Smith Brook trail - it was all snow. I was excited to revisit the region, as Valhalla and I have a bit of a cursed history. 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. WTA description below. Barclay Lake: 2 miles, 230 feet net elevation gain. It is not clear here how I would connect to the PCT from Smith Brook Road, other than 1590. Very wet snow all around, with the wintry mix today. The forest road snow was packed down and we hiked the 3 miles to the trailhead in boots. podenski@me.com cwcoleman My Backpack. We didn't make it to the PCT junction. Snow was falling up the 1590 trail, but mostly all rain down on Smith Brook Road. Mt. Road Road impassable/closed. I was excited to revisit the region, as Valhalla and I have a bit of a cursed history. For a more strenuous snowshoe, head out to Deer Creek and the Lake Kelcema trail. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for … I have included a photo of our track - GPS track available on request :-) Our mileage was 5.7 miles in to Lake Valhalla from the start of the hike on Highway 2 (11.4 miles roundtrip). Snowshoe Lake Valhalla. The pull off on the side of Hwy. -Chris, cwcoleman Photo credit: Andrew Monko 9. 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. Up on the PCT, as we were breaking trail, the PCT was scarcely visible however we easily followed it using GPS and compass bearings. Then the climbing began.... not overly steep - but a tight snowshoe track. Seattle, WA 98104. Climb slightly while snowshoeing across the valley wall to get near the 4600-foot level in the next mile. I think the 7.5 number comes from the summer trip. Another group (experienced with the area) finished heading up to the PCT, not sure where they went after that. We found good snowshoeing conditions (on Feb 14, 2015) especially above 4,500 feet. The view of the lake was phenomenal. Surprise Lake: 8 … Lake Valhalla If you love to play in the snow and have found that skiing isn't quite your cup of tea, hitch a ride with friends to Steven's Pass Resort and peel off to tag this incredible snowshoe hike (always go with a buddy, though). Check your maps! It was cold, icy and beautiful. Posted by: ... Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. Do you disagree with whoever edited this hike description and changed it to 13 miles? 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. Instead of following the Smith Brook Trail, we navigated cross country up valley toward Lake Valhalla. Others who have made the trip before were confident it was the way. Can’t guarantee either Info COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. After the first good snowfall, there is an easy boot path to follow up to the PCT and ultimately down to the lake. That's why all of us snowshoers are supposed to read and practice "Wilderness Navigation" :-) [ http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/Wilderness-Navigation-P360.aspx ] The relevant part of the trip description for connecting to the PCT: " Just over 2.5 miles up, at 4000 feet, the road again loops through a switchback turn. After about 3 miles of skinning up the road, we skied across the meadow and up the drainage toward Lake Valhalla using our topo map … Make the u-turn at the Steven's pass nordic center sign / Mill Creek and then look for the cars parked on the road. Still some snow over the trail the last 1/3 of the hike and around the lake (as of June 20th). https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/lake-valhalla-trail Eventually, we rounded the corner to reveal Lake Ingalls. Anthony Kasner Lake Valhalla is one of the prime winter day trips in the Stevens Pass area. At lower elevations the snow was crusted, but soft. While Nelson indicates "in the next mile" to reach the PCT, I estimate it would be more like 0.7 miles to intersect at 4800 feet, depending on whatever obstacles need to be skirted during the traverse. There were a few groups of snowmobiles out today. Lake Valhalla; Lake Valhalla Snowshoe; We set out on Saturday from the pull out on Highway 2 for FR 6700. Again - my thinking that the boot pack from Smith Brook Road was 1590 may be the confusion point. Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems. Snowshowed to Lake Valhalla on Saturday. There was about a foot of snow on the road. Blog; Magazine; Sign Up; Press Room; Site Search. We also enjoyed the very cool layering of snow on some boulders along the side of Smith Brook Road (see photo). Parking on highway 2 was super easy. Let me know if there is anything I can trade for the help. A popular summertime destination for many hikers and backpackers, Lake Valhalla also makes a rewarding advanced snowshoe route. 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. When parking I made sure to give them enough room to get in/out. The first time we attempted the lake as a snowshoe, we missed the turn-off and wandered up Smithbrook road ultimately turning around without seeing the lake. ... Snowshoe and Camp at Skyline Lake. podenski@me.com I have a map I can send you on which I've marked the route if you're interested. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity. Overall a fun snowshoe. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Lake Valhalla is a gem, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland on the PCT North of Stevens Pass. 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. 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. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. The snow on the forest service road was compacted, so there was no need for snowshoes. Hike Finder Map; Hiking Guide; Trip Reports; Hiking with Kids; Hiking by Season; Trail Smarts; Passes and Permits; Ranger Station Info; Youth Programs; Trail Work Parties; Get Involved . Probably 8 sleds in total. 89 Trip Reports for this trail, below Hike by WTA Community: Joan Burton. Stuart hovers at the end of the lake but was obscured by clouds. According to the paragraph quote above - the PCT junction is at 3.5 miles (well before the lake) and that alone is 7 miles. From the parking area, the route proceeds up Deer Creek Road (Road 4052). Take a spur into the woods at the trailhead (which is 3 miles from the car). The spur we took, and that is still blazed today - is just beyond the summer trailhead. Still interested in that map. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. We parked on the shoulder of HWY 2 … I'll email you. Lake Valhalla Snowshoe ... but instead of going to the resort like the rest of the masses we headed on the PCT toward Lake Valhalla. I dont like easy and short though. Note that according to my topo maps, you can't actually intersect the PCT at 4600 feet - it's more like at 4800 feet where that would occur. The only map I have is the Green Trails map. 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. Melakwa Lake felt like a winter snowshoe that we forgot to wear snowshoes for. Snowshoe Package Choices: * Prices good December through April excluding holidays. There is a plowed clearing about a quarter mile before Smith Brook Road. Not new to snow travel. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/smithbrook-trail We hiked up the road about a quarter mile before catching the trail. So I don't see how 7.5 was accurate. 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. Parked at the Highway 2 pullout past Stevens Pass and headed up FR6700. That is 6.5 miles - 1 way. Only sort of needed snowshoes here because of the snowmobile traffic. The forecast had a high of 24°F at the lake basin, and that felt generous. East Fork of the Foss River: 8.2 miles, 700 feet net elevation gain. Share . Contact Us. Seattle, WA 98104. We did encounter a steep gully/drainage along the PCT about 1/4 mile before reaching the lake. Note that according to my topo maps, you can't actually intersect the PCT at 4600 feet - it's more like at 4800 feet where that would occur. Check WTA for trip reports or call the ranger’s station . Today we snowshoed to Lake Valhalla and Mount McCausland. We had a nice sunny Fall day with fresh snow so it was the perfect day for this hike. I have a marked up map with slope shading, relevant trails highlighted (1590, PCT, Smith Brook Road, cross-country path), etc. Bugs No bugs. We landed on Mount McCausland and Lake Valhalla just past Steven’s Pass. 2 near FS Road 6700 has been plowed so there's room to park now. Are you saying the editor (who may or may not have taken my advice) is wrong? on Washington Trails Association To the left, down and across the stream starts the climb to Lichtenwasser and up to the right lies Union Gap. It is barely noticeable. Basic Snowshoe Add-on Add on snowshoes to your reservation. Great road in, well maintained trail and great scenery the second half of the hike. So, no particular reason. 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, … 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. 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). Mountaineers Books. 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. I swear the directions are to park on highway 2, hike 3 miles up Smith Brook Road. Very good conditions and happy faces all over the trail. It heads up and across the valley to connect with the PCT. 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. 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. So there would not be an established trail for that portion between the Smith Brook road and the PCT. 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. on Thanks. Central Cascades. Your path steadily gains in elevation, while views are mostly forested. 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. Leave the road at the apex of that switchback, and traverse the open hillside above Smith Brook. The good part is that they really help groom the trail/road. It’s not too long of a trail and their are really nice views along the way. Paulc Hiked Jan 24, 2019. Dec 30, 2014 09:34 PM, Yes, I would love to see this trail on a map. I'd be quite interested if you attempt this hike and get to the lake from highway 2 in 7.5 miles. 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. Hwy 2 was wet but clear. The route described in Snowshoe Routes Washington doesn't go on trail #1590. View from the trail to Lake Valhalla by Anthony Kasner. After your snowshoeing adventure, come back to your cabin, light a fire and enjoy the evening at Valhalla. There is a very noticeable Avalanche Chute right before the summer parking area - be careful here. The lake is a great day hike in summer or fall and accessible by snowshoe in the winter. About 1 foot of compact snow, with a frost layer a few inches down. Snow Trail snow-covered at times - gear and expertise recommended. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. But that's not what the description says. There were also tracks leading up to the saddle; micro-spikes were useful there. Located just north of the Stevens Pass Resort and a stone's throw form the Pacific Crest Trail, the lake is accessible to snowshoers of most skill levels, and it sees a good amount of traffic throughout the year. 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. Lake Valhalla Snowshoe. The lake is a great day hike in summer or fall and accessible by snowshoe in the winter. Our mileage was 5.7 miles in to Lake Valhalla from the start of the hike on Highway 2 (11.4 miles roundtrip). Watch out for tubers and sledders on the lower portion. More than just books: Gear, Apparel & More Shop 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. We took ski's instead of snowshoes and the return trip was a breeze. 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. I was here again today, and just re-read the attached trail description. 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