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Annette Lake

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.1 (40)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …North Cascades
  4. Snoqualmie Pass
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“A steep climb through often fog-laden forest rewards hikers with incredible views and a picturesque alpine lake. ”

Hunter R
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Map Key

6.5

Miles

10.4

KM

Out and Back

3,664' 1,117 m

High

1,943' 592 m

Low

1,830' 558 m

Up

1,830' 558 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

A century-old favorite of Seattle hikers, the trail to Annette Lake is a perfect option in almost any weather condition. Dense trees offer shelter from sun or rain, and the climb from the trailhead that is shared with the Asahel Curtis Nature Trail is a solid workout, but not overwhelmingly strenuous. On hot summer days, the pristine lake water is the perfect ending to 3.75 miles of ascent. On cold winter days, this trail is also accessible from the snowpark and is groomed for snowshoeing and XC skiing. - Overview by Max Hart, Outdoor Project

Description

From the trailhead, the trail follows a creek through dense Snoqualmie forests before heading up and over a beautiful waterfall. Shortly after the waterfall, the Annette Lake Trail crosses the Iron Horse Trail about a mile in. The trail climbs to navigate an exposed hillside with views of the valley below as well as Granite and Humpback Mountains in the distance. Upon reaching the top of the climb, the trail finally mellows to flat grades as it meanders through the forest on its way to the reward: the gorgeous blue-green waters and forested shores of Annette Lake. Hidden in the shadow of tall alpine scree fields and towering firs, this area will make you feel like you're the only person for miles. Needless to say, you'll have a hard time leaving.

Driving Directions:
Take exit 47 off I-90. Turn right from the off-ramp and continue 0.25 miles, then turn left on Forest Road 5590. The parking lot is in 0.3 miles.

Toilets are located on the north side of the parking area.

Contacts

Local Club: Washington Trails Association (WTA)

Land Manager: USFS - Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Office

Shared By:

Hunter R with improvements by Jesse Weber
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 40 votes

#2

in Snoqualmie Pass

#420

Overall
  4.1 from 40 votes
5 Star
31%
4 Star
49%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Snoqualmie Pass

#39

in Washington

#420

Overall
11 Views Last Month
2,633 Since Jul 6, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
3%
0%
54%
27%
16%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

In high summer, there's hardly any snow in the mountains around the Annette Lake Trail.
Jun 29, 2017 near Riverbend, WA
A small tributary cascades near its confluence with Humpback Creek.
Jun 29, 2017 near Riverbend, WA
Annette Lake is gorgeous in the summertime!
Jun 29, 2017 near Riverbend, WA
Silver Peak, upper slopes from the Annette Lake Trail
May 6, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
Annette Lake
May 1, 2015 near Riverbend, WA
A nice falls on Humpback Creek.
May 6, 2015 near Riverbend, WA

1 Comment

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 3, 2024
David Dolengewicz
Aug 12, 2023
Chandler Gardiner
Jun 8, 2023
Sueyeun Lee
May 28, 2022
Aayush Chaudhary
Aug 21, 2021
Jay Rosencrantz
Aug 8, 2021
Hannah
Misty and delightful 6.4mi — 4h 30m
Jul 6, 2021
Dottie Calamaras-Marsh
11h 00m
Jun 18, 2021
Jake Woll

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Stewarded by Washington Trails Association (WTA)
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