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Skyline Lake Trail

Leavenworth, Washington

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

2.41 miles

Elevation Gain

1020 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Beau Ramsey

Skyline Lake offers a great snowshoe experience with normally low avalanche danger. There's typically a well beaten path in the snow to the lake, making whiteout conditions or traveling at night easier for beginners and with only 2.5 miles roundtrip and 1,050' of elevation gain, you can experience a splendid snow adventure with minimal efforts. This hike is great in the summer, but I definitely prefer the winter.

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 camp at the edge of Skyline Lake and explore these nearby destinations. The views from the lake are open and vast. It can get busy on weekends when the snow is good, so give a weekday a try or heck, go hike at night. Pick a clear night to enjoy the stars and the lights glowing from nearby Stevens Pass.

Route Description:

Locate a snowy road left of a residence and electric substation. This will be just north of the parking lot, which is also north of highway 2. Walk up the snowy road, passing more residences and ski area buildings. At about 0.2 mile come to a gated road beside a power pole. This is your route to Skyline Lake. Climbing steeply, the way passes more utility buildings, occasionally breaking out of forest to open snowy slopes and Stevens Pass ski slopes.

At 0.75 mile pass an interesting utility tower (elev. 4875 ft). Continue up the road another 0.25 mile to a Y junction (elev. 5050 ft). The main road travels right, ending at a cell tower. A good view east to Nason Ridge. Its worth going to the cell tower for the views. The way to Skyline, however, is left, on a lighter jeep track that eventually becomes a single-track trail. A final easy push through snowy meadows delivers you to intimate Skyline Lake (elev. 5100 ft).

Getting There:

From Everett head east on US 2 for 65 miles to Stevens Pass (elev. 4056 ft). Park on the north side of the pass, careful not to block any driveways or access roads.

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Features

Snowboarding
Camping
Photography
Skiing
Backpacking
Hiking
Forest
Lake
Romantic
Scenic
Wildlife

Skyline Lake Trail Reviews

These photos are beautiful!!

Leave No Trace

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

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Day Hike to Lake Valhalla

Scenic Hot Springs