Snow, Gem, and Wildcat Lakes

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This route takes you from the busiest trailhead to the one of the least visited lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, making a fantastic long day hike or multi-day backpacking trip. The length of this route does not reflect the challenging nature of the trail from Snow Lake to Upper Wildcat. Expect raw and difficult trail conditions in the later miles.

A Northwest Forest Pass or interagency pass is required for parking. You can purchase passes for National Forests online, at Forest Service offices, or from private retailers.

This hike begins at the Snow Lake Trail in Snoqualmie Pass, which is justifiably the busiest trailhead in the area. But don't let that scare you away! Hikers who have the extra curiosity (and stamina) to venture a few miles past the gorgeous shores of Snow Lake will be rewarded with much smaller crowds and more crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by jagged peaks.

The trail continues past Snow Lake to Gem Lake, 4.9 miles from the trailhead. Following the trail through the Snow Lake Basin, continue circumnavigating the lake. A highlight of the trail is walking across an awesome log bridge high above the outlet of Snow Lake. Continue following signs for Gem Lake, and soon you'll begin switchbacking up the ridge and traversing a large talus slope. Arrive at the Gem Lake Basin and take it all in!

Great campsites are scattered throughout the small cliffs and meadows around Gem Lake. For more campsite privacy, traverse the lake counterclockwise and you'll find a few more amazing sites on the east side of the lake, and another great site or two on the north side of the lake.

On the east shore, a tall rocky mountain looms. If big views are what you're looking for, the scramble to Wright Mountain awaits. There is no official trail, but a defined boot path leaves from near the campsites on the east side of the lake. Some mild boulder hopping will be required to reach the rocky summit for 360-degree views of the Cascades. There is also a smaller scramble along a ridge to a high point on the north side of the lake that has some pretty great views as well, if you aren't up the the elevation gain to Wright Mountain. If you are staying at Gem Lake, the sunset views from either spot are stunning.

The trail continues on a further 1.9 miles to Lower Wildcat Lake. The upper lake is a brushy bushwhack .7 miles above the lower lake. These basins offer even more secluded and remote campsites, should you decide to pack your supplies up this far.