Day Hike to Lake Valhalla

Leavenworth, Washington

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

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.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Wildflowers

Day Hike to Lake Valhalla Reviews

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.

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.

Leave No Trace

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

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