Snoqualmie, Deer, and Bear Lakes

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Snoqualmie Lake Trail #1002 offers a long route through mountain valleys to large and quiet lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Just up the ridge from the bigger Snoqualmie Lake, the smaller twins Bear Lake and Deer Lake offer a remote backpacking or day hiking experience. Several campsites surrounded by tall Douglas firs dot the shores, and you are likely to have your pick of them, especially if you go mid week.

Permits in advance are not required for day or overnight hiking here, but there are self-issue permits along the trail. Wilderness regulations apply, which include the requirement to camp at least 100 feet from the lakes.
A pass is required for parking at the trailhead, and the following are accepted:
National Forest Recreation Day Pass
Northwest Forest Pass-Annual
America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass

This hike begins shortly after the Middle Fork Campground (accessed via the Middle Fork Road). It's worth noting that there are no toilet facilities or services at the trailhead, but there is a pit toilet at Middle Fork Trailhead nearby. To start, the trail is fairly flat with minimal gain over the first 6 miles. But you'll gain nearly 2,000 feet over the next 4 miles as you work your way up to the stunning Snoqualmie Lake. Otter Falls is a worthwhile detour from the route and is signed.

At the lake, you'll come across several campsites; one particularly inviting one sits right off a sandy beach near a large, flat lunch rock. Many spots along the shore are good for a lounge in the sun or a dip in the water. The option to spend the night at this lake is very tempting, but the two higher lakes still beckon eager backpackers.

Navigating the rocky switchbacks above Snoqualmie Lake will take some effort, but you'll be pleasantly distracted by red columbines, wild blueberries and encouraging glimpses over the lake as you go.

Once at the top you'll be greeted by the water of Deer Lake, which is rimmed by idyllic campsites. Half a mile further is Bear Lake, which offers more sites near an equally inviting shoreline.

Salmonberries can be found!