Lake Valhalla
Central Cascades
As of June 22, 2026, Lake Valhalla is largely snow-free, with the primary obstacle being a rocky stream crossing at 0.9 miles (June 19 report). Expect blowdowns between miles 1.7-2.8, requiring careful navigation. Snow banks near the lake have diminished significantly but can still be treacherous due to hollowed-out sections from meltwater (June 19).
Earlier in May, the trailhead was snow-covered, necessitating snowshoes (May 3). By late May, snow patches and meltwater made the PCT route to Valhalla risky (May 23). The service road may have downed trees and ruts requiring early parking. Mosquitoes were reported as bad by June 19.
generated from 43 reports
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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 didn’t dress for the amount of snow on this hike! Be prepared for up to 2 feet on trail. Can’t wait to try a...
Trail is very well maintained and easy to navigate. There is one intersection with PCT you’ll want to pay attention to, but otherwise very straightforward. The lake was beautiful and refreshing - my d...
Got to the trailhead around 11:45am, with a handful of cars in the lot. My sedan had no problem on the road to the trailhead.Started out with a light drizzle that then became fairly steady light rain....
Cloudy Sunday morning hike.Very few cars in the parking lot when we got there around 8am.The trail is very well-maintained and easy to hike. Not technical at all. Encountered a few PCT hikers and nobo...
Hiked on Saturday beginning at 11 am from the Stevens Pass trail head. Plenty of parking. Took the first 3 miles as a run and slowed down once I hit some more significant incline. There’s plenty of bl...
This is the hike in from Smithbrook Road, you can also hike from Stevens Pass on the PCT, which is longer. Just as the road splits into the divided section on the east side, watch for the sign for Smi...
Not much to add to previous reports.Our first hike post hike-a-thon.The trail to Lake Valhalla is a nice gentle grade and perfect forus senior gals with creaky knees.We arrived at Smithbrook TH around...
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