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Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

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

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Snoqualmie Pass

  • 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

    Lillian Lake

    5.0
    8.36 mi / 2969 ft gain
    We backpacked our way to Lillian Lake and set up camp. There is a trail that lead around the lake and a trail that leads up to Rampart Lakes and Rachael Lake as well. We found a few more camps spots on Lillian Lake, then we noticed that only ONE other camp spot was being used. If you want peace ...
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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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  • 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

    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

    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, 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

    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

    Overnight Hike to Pratt Lake

    4.5
    11 mi / 2300 ft gain
    This overnight hike is definitely a challenge with 2,300 feet of elevation gain but all that huffing and puffing will be worth it when you reach the beautiful Pratt Lake Basin.The trail can be a bit busy in the first mile but most of the traffic is from day hikers on their way up the popular Gran...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Camp and Trail Run from Tuscohatchie Lake

    5.0
    This is a beginner to intermediate hike, at the first mile the trail has it first break where you can go up to the Lookout. If you continue going straight, you'll find waterfalls and lakes on the trail. 2.5 Miles in on the trail is another turn to Ollalie and Talapus Lake. Continue onto the 4-m...
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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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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Take a Hike Up To Rampart Lakes

    5.0
    11 mi / 2200 ft gain
    Getting There: From I-90 East, take exit 62. Take a left, heading over the highway. After 5.2 miles, the road veers left, passing Lake Kachess Campground. Go another 0.3 miles on the gravel road and take a right at a sign for Rachel Lake/Trail 1313. At this point, the road gets a little rough, bu...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Hike Alta Mountain

    4.0
    12 mi / 3300 ft gain
    Start off at Trail #1313 to Rachel Lake. The first 2.5 miles is a flat, slow uphill hike till you get to a river crossing. From there, the next 1.3 miles will be a 1,000 foot elevation gain to Rachel Lake. Once you arrive, this is a good spot to rest, eat some snacks, and replenish your water sup...
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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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  • North Bend, Washington

    Talapus & Olallie Lakes

    5.71 mi / 1266 ft gain
    With a moderate grade on a wide trail, the hike to Talapus Lake is the perfect introduction to the outdoors for hikers and beginning backpackers. Upon arrival at Talapus, break out lunch or pitch camp. Either way, you can cool off in the large lake. If you feel like pressing on, Ollalie Lake is j...
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