Leavenworth, Washington

Hike to Minotaur Lake

Short steep hike to a stunning alpine lake. View of both Minotaur Lake and Theseus Lake. Swim to your own private island in the heat of the summer. 3.5 miles roundtrip. 1900 foot elevation gain.

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 wild huckleberries if you're there late in the season.

This relatively flat sections is mixed with short rolling hills the rest of the way up to the lake. Just before reaching the lake you will pass a swimming pool sized pond in a meadow directly below the lake.

Please stay on the trails around the lake and don't blaze your own path to cut time as the vegetation is fragile. As always, practice Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.