Trip report by Reuben Slasor.
Reuben really knows the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and is looking for hiking partners who aren't afraid of a challenge. Reuben's web site is linked on the Bearings page.
This is a wonderful hike, but I would recommend making it an overnight hike, unless you are in good physical condition. I took 48 photos on this hike and it is one of the most beautiful hikes in the ALW area. There are lots of great views because you are walking the ridge and can see tall mountains on both sides of the trail.
When I arrived at the Pacific Creast Trail parking lot at 7:45AM there were about 20 cars in the parking lot. I also found a car with a smashed window that I parked next to. All of the window glass on the ground in various spots made me feel real uncomfortable parking my new truck there.
Photo: Gravel Lake. (Slasor photo.)
The hike starts out for the first three miles in old growth forest and some rock slides. When you leave the forest you're basically at the maximum altitude for the hike. Then it's all open trail following the ridge around Kendall Peak. If you are afraid of heights, this is not a good hike to embark on. You will be walking along a rocky cliff with a 1000' drop for the next mile, until you pass the Katwalk.
The lakes were snow-free and the trail was easily identified, with only a few small snow slides to cross. I hiked past Joe Lake, to the cliffs above Alaska Lake and then went fly fishing at Gravel Lake for a couple hours.
I have made over twelve day hikes this year and this was without a doubt the hardest day hike I have made. When I returned to my truck, fifteen miles later, my feet were killing me from walking on crushed rock for six miles of the hike.
Stats: 7.5 miles, 2700' elevation gain.
Getting there: Drive to the PCT trailhead on the north side of Snoqualmie Pass, as in the Kendall Katwalk description.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.