Lodge Lake: Less Crowded Alpine Lake Hike at Snoqualmie Pass
Last Updated on December 9, 2024
Looking for an alternative to some of the really busy alpine lake trails near Snoqualmie Pass (like Snow Lake or Annette Lake)? Lodge Lake is a mellow hike to a much less visited lake along the Pacific Crest Trail. Lodge Lake is 4.25 mile round trip hike with 900 feet of elevation gain.
Lodge Lake is on the homeland of the Duwamish, Snoqualmie and Wenatchi people.
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Friendly: yes, on leash
Cell phone coverage: Mostly good, a few weaker signal spots
Restrooms: None, although there are restrooms at the nearby WSDOT rest area at Snoqualmie Pass
Accessibility and Mobility: This trail is not ever very steep or particularly long, however there are a lot of roots and rocks to navigate making sections of it tricky for keeping your footing stable. There is quite a bit of mud around the lake and at times on the trail. There is also some rock hopping across a small stream. Poles can be very helpful through this.
Related: What to wear for a hike in the Pacific Northwest, what to bring on a hike in the Pacific Northwest
Is Hiking Lodge Lake right for me?
If you’re looking for an alpine lake hike near Snoqualmie Pass with far less crowds than many of the others this hike is for you!
There is a fair bit of mud at the shores of the lake and the first part of it goes across a ski area, but there is also beautiful forest and a mellow, uncrowded like reached without too much climbing. If you want to avoid the mud and don’t mind driving on a really rough road, you might try Mirror Lake instead.
Lodge Lake also makes for a good backpacking trip!
When is the best time to hike to Lodge Lake?
The Lodge Lake trail is generally mostly snow free by late June. If you’re looking for a summer experience with wildflowers, July and August are a good time. You can access lodge lake throughout the fall and you can even snowshoe here in the winter if you navigate around the ski runs.
Where is it?
Lodge Lake lies along the Pacfic Crest Trail near the Snoqualmie Pass ski area.
To get there, take I-90 to Snoqualmie Pass. To get to the Pacific Crest Trailhead on the south side of Snoqualmie Pass, head to the Summit West ski area and follow the dirt road at the far west end of the parking lot. In a short distance the dirt road ends at the trailhead signed for the Pacific Crest Trailhead.
Trail Description
Starting on the Pacific Crest Trail, you will briefly enter the forest and then come out into the open ski area under the chairlifts. While this may not sound exciting, in mid summer there are abundant wildflowers in this section and lovely views of surrounding mountains!
In just under a mile, crest the ridge and pass the pond Beaver Lake. Now you’re in the forest again on a flatter section of the trail.
The trail then goes gently downhill towards the lake. There are a lot of roots and rocks in this section, so pay attention to where you are putting your feet! There is also a stream crossing with a bit of rock hopping.
When you get close to Lodge Lake, look for a brown sign on a tree with a trail to the right. Follow this while the Pacific Crest Trail goes left around the other side of the lake. You’ll see the lake below you to the right through the trees, the trail to it is on the far side.
After taking the right turn at the Lodge Lake sign, you’ll pass some campsites and find yourself on the shores of Lodge Lake! Watch out for mud as it tends to be muddy at the edges of the lake. If it’s too muddy, the logs around the campsites nearby make for a good lunch spot.
When you’re ready, head back the way you came to your car. On the way back, you’ll see some views that you might have missed on the way up if you weren’t looking behind you.
Bakeries and Breweries near Lodge Lake
Snoqualmie Pass doesn’t have a bakery and could really use one! Instead of that, grab a coffee or hot chocolate at Bob’s espresso (look for the green trailer between the DOT rest area and the convenience store). Bob’s espresso also has amazing handmade corndogs! I don’t even like corndogs but these are AMAZING. I am also a big fan of the pizza at Pie for the People which is inside the convenience store by Bob’s.
Dru Bru has outdoor seating with propane fires for some local beer (get Pie for the People delivered from across the street). If you’re looking for some classic pub food, get that next door at Commonwealth.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Fast charging for EV’s is available at the Summit Deli and gas station at Snoqualmie Pass. There is also fast charging available in North Bend, Cle Elum and Ellensburg.
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