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Skykomish, Washington

Looking for the best backpacking in Skykomish? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Skykomish. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Skykomish

  • Ronald, Washington

    Backpack to Circle Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

    16 mi / 2800 ft gain
    Start at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead and start to head up the long switchbacks. After running into the Trail Creek trail, keep right heading towards Cathedral Rock and Squaw Lake. There are a couple nice spots around Squaw Lake, about 2.5 miles in, to stop and have a snack. Now head around the l...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Climb Mt. Daniel via the Southeast Ridge

    5.0
    16 mi / 6000 ft gain
    Far from the iconic skyline of Seattle, on King County's Eastern boundary, is a lesser known natural skyscraper named Mt. Daniel. At 7960 feet plus, Mt. Daniel's true summit effortlessly juts into the sky as King County's tallest point.From Roslyn, head North for roughly 15 miles on Salmon La Sac...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Marmot and Jade Lakes via Deception Pass Trail

    5.0
    20.29 mi / 4370 ft gain
    The road in is passable with basically any vehicle, though there are some potholes to be avoided. Start at the Deception Pass Trailhead near the parking lot. There is a quick and easy 4.5 miles as you pass Hyas Lake, then you start climbing up to the trail junction for Tuck and Robin Lakes and th...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Tuck and Robin Lakes

    4.3
    13.94 mi / 4199 ft gain
    Robin Lakes have been coined "The Little Enchantments", and once you visit, you'll realize the nickname is strikingly accurate. But while the hike up is no Aasgard Pass, it's far from a walk in the park. When you leave the car at the end of the pothole-ridden Salmon La Sac forest service road, y...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Sprite Lake via Paddy-Go-Easy Pass Trail

    6.5 mi / 2923 ft gain
    The Trail Begin backpacking the Paddy-Go-Easy Pass Trail (#1595) through dense spruce forests with riparian undergrowth. The trail will switchback and climb steadily across dry meadows filled with wildflowers, and you'll have increasing views westward of Mount Daniel, Mount Hinman, and Cathedral...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Snow Lake

    4.0
    6.24 mi / 1699 ft gain
    This hike gets crowded fairly quickly so get there early. The parking lot is very large so parking is not really a problem.  There are bathrooms at the very beginning of the trail so I highly suggest using them. However at the top there is also a designated restroom area. Starting at 2600 ft, thi...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Gem Lake, WA

    4.7
    10.4 mi / 2923 ft gain
    This hike shares the trailhead for Snow lake at the Alpental Ski area in Snoqualmie Pass. You'll start out with a great warm up, walking through dense green underbrush and a brief wooded area. Before too long the trail increases in inclination slightly and begins to offer up some small rocky sect...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Winter Backpack Below Chair Peak

    6 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Hike or snowshoe to the ridge below Chair Peak and above Snow Lake and camp among numerous Snoqualmie Pass peaks.Drive to Snoqualmie Pass WA via I-90 and park at the Alpental parking lot (exit 52). Take the Snow Lake trail, which initially climbs 200 feet with wooden steps and eventually evens ou...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Gem Lake and Wright Mountain

    4.7
    10.62 mi / 3107 ft gain
    The trail to Gem Lake lies along the same trail that passes by the incredibly popular Snow Lake. While the masses typically stop the first place they can along the shores of Snow Lake, fewer make the short trek from there up to Gem Lake. Park at the giant lots at the end of the road to Alpental (...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Winter Camping at Snow Lake

    7.2 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Starting at the Snow Lake Trail Head you climb up the boot pack or ski track of those before you (hopefully) from ~3120 ft. to ~4400 ft. at the ridge line where Snow Lake becomes visible. If there are no tracks, follow the South Fork Snoqualmie River NE and aim just east of the lowest point of t...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Upper Wildcat Lake

    1.0
    14.43 mi / 4370 ft gain
    Although this hike is possible if you’re looking for an all-day training hike, it’s much more enjoyable if it’s an overnight backpacking trip. Head up the trail past Snow Lake toward Gem Lake. En route to Snow Lake will be a little crowded, but should lighten significantly as you continue hiking...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Kaleetan Lake via Denny Creek Trail

    If you want to visit multiple lakes, get a view of or tackle a peak at Kaleetan, Chair, and Bryant, campgrounds for overnight or weekend adventures, fish in the lakes, explore off the trail and natural waterslides and picnic area waterfalls, this is for you. Denny Creek Trail offers it all! Afte...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Spectacle Lake via Pete Lake Trail

    5.0
    18.91 mi / 3058 ft gain
    Depending on when you arrive at the Pete Lake Trailhead, expect to be traveling with company as it is one of the more popular locations on the eastside of Snoqualmie Pass. At an elevation of 2600 feet, the beginning route is a moderate 400 feet of elevation gain. Start on your way through the va...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Hike-In and Camp at Alaska Lake

    Driving Directions: From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 54 (signed "Hyak"). Turn left (north) under the freeway and right on the frontage road marked "Gold Creek." After about 0.5 mile turn left (north) on Gold Creek Road (Forest Road 4832), and in another 0.5 mile reach a junction. To the le...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Hike to Rachel Lake

    4.8
    8 mi / 1600 ft gain
    This hike is 8 miles roundtrip, with 1600 feet of elevation gain. Once you're on the trail, it starts heading uphill to help get your heart rate up on the hike. As you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the trail starts to level out. You'll cross a few streams and hike through a fair amount of ve...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Day Hike to Lila Lakes and Alta Pass

    4.3
    12 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Getting There From Seattle, drive Interstate 90 to Exit 62, Signed Kachess Lake/Stampede Pass. Turn left and head north over the interstate; you'll reach Kachess Lake Campground in five miles. Turn left where the pavements ends and drive four miles on Box Canyon Road (FS Road #4930) to the Rachel...
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