Skyline Lake Trail

This 2.5 mile roundtrip hike with a little over 1,000 feet of elevation gain is a great winter trip for beginners. The trail is typically well-worn, making it easy to stay on target even in some of the most difficult conditions.

If you have route finding and off trail skills, you can venture out to explore nearby Rock Gardens, Sky Mountain, and Heather Ridge. Another great option is to snow camp at the edge of Skyline Lake and explore these nearby destinations. The views from the lake are open and vast. It can get busy on weekends when the snow is good, so give a weekday a try or heck, go hike at night. Pick a clear night to enjoy the stars and the lights glowing from nearby Stevens Pass.

Route Description:

Locate a snowy road left of a residence and electric substation. This will be just north of the parking lot, which is also north of highway 2. Walk up the snowy road, passing more residences and ski area buildings. At about 0.2 mile come to a gated road beside a power pole. This is your route to Skyline Lake. Climbing steeply, the way passes more utility buildings, occasionally breaking out of forest to open snowy slopes and Stevens Pass ski slopes.

At 0.75 mile pass an interesting utility tower (elev. 4875 ft). Continue up the road another 0.25 mile to a Y junction (elev. 5050 ft). The main road travels right, ending at a cell tower. A good view east to Nason Ridge. Its worth going to the cell tower for the views. The way to Skyline, however, is left, on a lighter jeep track that eventually becomes a single-track trail. A final easy push through snowy meadows delivers you to intimate Skyline Lake (elev. 5100 ft).

Getting There:

From Everett head east on US 2 for 65 miles to Stevens Pass (elev. 4056 ft). Park on the north side of the pass, careful not to block any driveways or access roads.