Day Hike to Lake Valhalla

Leavenworth, Washington

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

Save

View all 8 photos

All 8 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

7 miles

Elevation Gain

1500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jason Horstman

Total distance: 7 miles roundtrip. Total elevation gain: 1500 feet. Moderate hike with relatively smooth trail. Astounding lakeside views of Lichtenberg Mountain. Sandy beaches at the lake (great during summer months). Opportunity to hike on the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Pristine meadows near the lake with great colors in the fall.

The Smith Brook trail starts off with several switchbacks, then continues up to Union Gap where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn south (left) at Union Gap and continue hiking until you reach the gap between Mount Lichtenberg and McCausland, where you get a first glimpse of Lake Valhalla.

Just before reaching the gap, a boot trail follows the ridge up to an old lookout site at Mount McCausland. Less then a half a mile and 600 feet of climbing and you will reach the top, where you will have a great view of Glacier Peak to the north. There are lots of huckleberries in the meadows along this trail.

Pass over the gap and descend to Lake Valhalla. There are a number of overnight campsites and a couple of backcountry toilets at the lake, although campfires are not permitted. There is a very pleasant sandy beach at the lake as well, which is perfect for lunch and relaxing in the summer.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Forest

Lake

Scenic

Wildflowers

Day Hike to Lake Valhalla Reviews

Rachel Partin

Day Hike to Lake Valhalla

08/08/16

Went on a Sunday late morning, not a lot of traffic (maybe 10 groups in all) for that day of the week. Challenging hike without being difficult, my 14yr old terrier kept up just fine. Beautiful scenery at the lake and lots of awesome mosses, lichens and amphibian life in the meadow. Worth the drive, beware of typical gold bar traffic on the way back if you're heading out around 3.

5.0

Kelby S

Day Hike to Lake Valhalla

06/22/16

Super accessible, easy hike just past the summit of Stevens Pass. Great road in, well maintained trail and great scenery the second half of the hike. Still some snow over the trail the last 1/3 of the hike and around the lake (as of June 20th). Only downfall is it could get really busy as the summer goes on, saw two forest service workers and 3 or 4 groups on a Monday afternoon.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to the Summit of Mt. McCausland

Begin by driving a fairly smooth Forest Road 6700 for 2.5 miles to the Smith Brook Trailhead and park in the space on the left. Much of the signage has been taken down along the trail, so it may be helpful to bring some written directions with you. The hike begins by keeping close to the road, meandering up to the first switchbacks in the forest.Continue along the moderately graded switchbacks ...

Skyline Lake Trail

This 2.5 mile roundtrip hike with a little over 1,000 feet of elevation gain is a great winter trip for beginners. The trail is typically well-worn, making it easy to stay on target even in some of the most difficult conditions. If you have route finding and off trail skills, you can venture out to explore nearby Rock Gardens, Sky Mountain, and Heather Ridge. Another great option is to snow ...

Hike to Josephine Lake

Starting in the parking lot at Steven's Pass Ski Resort (roughly 4,062 feet in elevation; I recommend parking in E lot), start by walking between the two main lodges towards the ski lifts. You'll see a trail on the northwest-facing slope that switches back across the mountain - this is the PCT. Once on the PCT, continue through dense foliage and towering pines as you pass under the ski lifts an...

Snowshoe Lake Valhalla

You start out at Stevens Pass just across the street from the lodge. The trailhead is slightly hidden but it is located to the left of the substation. Parking is plenty before ski-season. Once you are all geared up, you wanna hit the trail running cause this is a long one to snowshoe. With shorter days comes shorter hikes. Being 11.6 miles, this hike will be just within reach of completion whi...

Hike to Minotaur Lake

This short, steep hike offers rewarding views that is well worth the vertical challenge. Round trip this hike is only 3.5 miles but you will gain 1400 feet elevation in the first mile.The trail starts off with switchbacks that head straight up the hill then about 200 feet from the wilderness boundary you traverse northeast to a beautiful meadow. Wildflowers abound and you can even pick some wil...

Hike and Snowshoe to Lanham Lake

This short but sweet snowshoe starts at 3000ft in the Stevens Pass Nordic Center parking lot. The trail head instantly puts you into the trees next to a groomed trail for skiers. Micro spikes will come in handy here, as the path can be a little icy and dusted with snow. After a short little climb, you'll come out into an opening with some buzzing electric towers and power lines. Get back into t...

Day Hike to Lake Valhalla

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Day Hike to Lake Valhalla Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to the Summit of Mt. McCausland

Skyline Lake Trail

Hike to Josephine Lake

Snowshoe Lake Valhalla

Hike to Minotaur Lake

Hike and Snowshoe to Lanham Lake

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps