Lake Valhalla
Central Cascades
As of August 3rd, 2026, Lake Valhalla is accessible with few obstacles. While Smithbrook Road is open, it is in very poor condition, requiring high-clearance 4WD. The trail has several blowdowns, most easily passable, as of a report on July 29th. Wildflowers are abundant, and strawberries are growing, with chipmunks and pikas present (July 25th). Mosquitoes can be bothersome in warmer temperatures but are manageable when cool. Camping is not permitted directly on the shoreline. Drones are prohibited.
generated from 49 reports
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decent, a few blow downs easily passable
Just a reminder to folks who Iβm hoping just are unaware.1) They have toilets to use typically at alpine lakes, you just need to look for them. Especially heavily used areas like Valhalla (2 are avail...
Amazing, beautiful hike! From the wild flowers blooming, to the mountain peaks- this hike was outstanding. We arrived at the lake around 1:30pm on a Saturday with multiple campsites still available. T...
Smithbrook Road is now open, but it's in really, REALLY bad condition. I strongly advise a high-clearance 4WD. Yes there were folks who drove their little 2WD cars up there (one an expensive BMW), but...
The trail to Lake Valhalla from Steven's pass is passible, with approximately 20 trees down on the way to the lake. Most are easy to maneuver around with few large obstructions. The trail is also snow...
Set out on a two night backpacking trip at around 5pm aiming for the campsite in the meadow at 3.45 miles on the trail. Parked at the north free parking area at Stevens Pass. The trail log box had not...
Service road rutted out and down trees stop u 1.2 miles before trail head. Trail head start is covered in snow, walked up service road till switch backs and only a couple downed trees and snow patches...
This probably is an amazing hike. If I had snowshoes and wasn't solo, right now it would be a great snowshoe. I turned around less than half a mile from the trailhead. I got tired of postholing. The s...
We only made it 1/4 mile before deciding against this hike and turning around. I definitely didnβt dress for the amount of snow on this hike! Be prepared for up to 2 feet on trail. Canβt wait to try a...
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