DIFFICULT 13.7 mi. The parking area for Stevens Pass is just 3.5 miles past the turnoff for Smithbrook. This makes for a 9.9-mile long dayhike for both groups through a wide variety of terrain and views. State: Washington. The open meadows and surrounding mountains near Lake Valhalla's basin make for Directions to Trailhead. At the first U turn area, flip around so you are now headed back up toward Stevens Pass. Trailhead elevation 3,800 ft Lake Valhalla elevation 4,830 ft 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 A modest grade with well-maintained tread, wildflowers, huckleberries, and good views awaits you here. The first time we attempted the lake as a snowshoe, we missed the turn-off and wandered up Smithbrook road ultimately turning around without seeing the lake. Sandy beaches at the lake (great during summer months). Then turn right onto Smith Brook Road. A recent reworking of the trail starts off with gentle switchbacks. The highway will become divided. Photo by z7. From Seattle, take I-405 to Hwy 522 in Monroe. USA. Smithbrook Trail/ Lake Valhalla Hiking trail in Berne, Washington (United States). Pacific Northwest. From Leavenworth, follow Hwy 2 west to the well-marked turn off for Road 6700, 31 miles west of town. Look for a sign saying Smithbrook Road. This is a beautiful section of trail, providing a good example of what hikers will find if they continue north on the PCT. The trailhead is 2.5 miles up the road on your left. We offer something for every member in your family, ranging from tennis, sailing, fine dining, relaxing and more. From the trailhead, hike roughly a mile and a half to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. The trailhead is 2.5 miles up Road 6700. We started at the SmithBrook trailhead. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Skykomish Ranger District, Buy the Green Trails Benchmark Mtn No. Suitable Activities: Day Hiking; Seasons: June, July, August, September, October Smithbrook Trailhead from Mapcarta, the free map. Record your own itinerary from the Wikiloc app, upload the trail and share it with the community. McCausland. In August and September, you will frequently meet PCT thru-hikers as they head north to Stehekin and the end of their journey at the Canadian Border. Mountaineers Books. Hiked from the Smithbrook trailhead to the lake, with a little jaunt up the hill at the top of the basin. Lake Valhalla Club, in Montville NJ, is a private country club offering members a wealth of activities all year long. North America. Smithbrook Trailhead to Lake Valhalla, Chelan County, WA, USA. The lake is a great day hike in summer or fall and accessible by snowshoe in the winter. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike 4.0 International License. Astounding lakeside views of Lichtenberg Mountain. From the trailhead, hike roughly one mile to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. Smithbrook Trailhead is southeast of Union Peak. Lake Valhalla is a gem, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland on the PCT North of Stevens Pass. Lake Valhalla is located 2.2 miles south of … If you look carefully, you can see where the railroad switchbacked up from Yodelin. Located just north of the Stevens Pass Resort and a stone's throw form the Pacific Crest Trail, the lake is accessible to snowshoers of most skill levels, and it sees a good amount of traffic throughout the year. Approaching Lake Valhalla from the Smithbrook trail, the grade is modest, and while there is plenty to look at, the round-trip distance is moderate. Be cautious when crossing the west bound lanes of Hwy 2 onto 6700. Total elevation gain: 1500 feet. Meet in the middle for a picnic at the lake, then swap car keys, and continue on to the trailhead that the other group departed from. Wenatchee Pass via Pacific Crest Trail. We got the last two parking spots at the Smithbrook Trailhead (3800'). Smithbrook Trailhead is a trailhead. After conversing with thru-hikers, turn south at Union Gap and climb gently to the gap between Mounts Lichtenberg and McCausland where you get your first glimpse of Lake Valhalla, shining in the cirque below. Two gentlemen came through but camped elsewhere; they had attempted to drive up Smithbrook Road to get to the trail via Union Gap, but Smithbrook … Michael 5 years, 5 months ago from Lake Valhalla. 144 map, Buy the Green Trails Stevens Pass No. The first path starts in the Stevens Pass parking lot and is the longer of the two, the other departs from the Smithbrook Trailhead on Forrest Service Road 67 a few. There is a very pleasant sandy beach, perfect for lunch. This tree was too big to cut with a crosscut saw so it was cleared using blasting. About 3.5 miles past Stevens Pass, turn left on Forest Service Road 6700 (be careful crossing westbound traffic on US 2!). Drive east through Monroe and onto Hwy 2 east for 58 Miles to Stevens Pass. Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike 4.0 International License. Mt. Valhalla is also accessible from the Smithbrook Trailhead, a shorter route with less climbing. Mount Lichtenberg looms large above as you climb up to the basin where Lake Valhalla is tucked. Hike by WTA Correspondents: The PCT is one of my favorite places to be and I decided to check out the area north of Stevens Pass starting out on the Lake Valhalla Trail from the Smithbrook Trailhead. Free, self-registration is required at the Smithbrook Trailhead (access for Valhalla (s) and Janus (n) and beyond). Discover everything you need to know about Smithbrook Trailhead—a hiking attraction recommended by 2 people on komoot—and browse 2 photos & 1 insider tips. The first mile of the trail is along an old rail bed, used before tunnels were dug to route the railway under Stevens Pass. A recent reworking of the trail starts off with gentle switchbacks. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. To access the Smithbrook trailhead, remain on Hwy 2 through Stevens Pass. Hikers should consider leaving a mountain bike at Stevens Pass and riding back to the Smith Brook trailhead. It takes about two hours to drive from Seattle to the trailhead. Watch the downhill side and you will see the clearly graded roadbed ascending, although it has lots of trees growing on it now. Lake Valhalla: 6.0 miles : 2979 ft : 5,040 ft : 3,900 ft : Country: United States. I'd just had some skin cancer removed from my face and the need for wound care cancelled out doing a backpack. ... Lake Valhalla. Peak baggers and view baggers may want to take note that they can scramble up Mount McCausland (5,747 feet) by leaving the main trail leading to Lake Valhalla at the pass above the lake. I had an entire large campsite to myself, with a family off in the distance. Directions to the Lake Valhalla Trailhead: From Seattle, drive east on US 2 for about 58 miles through Stevens Pass. Sign in as directed at the trailhead board. Seasonal Popularity. The Smithbrook trailhead is 2.7 miles up the road on the left hand side. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. DIFFICULT 22.1 mi. 176 map. Seattle, WA 98104. Lake Valhalla (5,050 ft) From the Pacific Crest Trailhead at Stevens Pass, it's 11 miles round trip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, however we found that while visiting the lake, there is a … 3.5 miles east of the pass, 100 yards after the highway divides there is a well-marked left turn for Forest Service Road 6700. The trail continues along the rail bed for another 500 yards or so, where the train was backed in to clear the switchback, before proceeding up and over the pass. Sidetrip. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. The hike is in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. Elevation Profile. There are lots of huckleberries in the meadows along this trail.Pass over the gap and descend to Lake Valhalla. Lake Valhalla is a water feature in Putnam County and has an elevation of 607 feet. Download its GPS track and follow the route on a map. As the rail bed section of the trail ends, head away from the noise of Highway 2 and into a series of meadows. However, the Stevens Pass route is longer, while the Smithbrook route is more kid-friendly. There are a number of overnight campsites and a couple of backcountry toilets at the lake, though please note that no campfires are permitted. Lake Valhalla; Felt pretty lucky to eek a sunny fall hike here in late October. The trailhead has an ample parking area off Forest Service Road 67. Lake Valhalla is situated northwest of North Highland. To get to the trailhead for Lake Valhalla drive from Stevens Pass on US 2 east for 6 miles and then drive west from Mill Creek for about a mile. In summer, there are two ways to access Lake Valhalla, either via the Smithbrook Trail #1590, or from Stevens Pass using a section of the PCT. The Smithbrook Trail (#1590) winds under a tall canopy to the HM Jackson Wilderness boundary (.45 miles : 4,220'). This trailhead provides access to the Smithbrook Trail #1590 which is a short spur that connects to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 within Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. They are generally friendly and happy to share their stories for a few minutes, particularly if you have some fresh fruit or cookies to share. Difficulty: Easy-moderate to Lake Valhalla, Moderate to Mount McCausland Access: Gravel road in okay shape to the trailhead, Northwest Forest Pass required Lake Valhalla is a deep blue gem with a small beach in the heart of Washington State's Central Cascades, just a stone's throw away from the popular winter ski area at Stevens Pass. I was excited to revisit the region, as Valhalla and I have a bit of a cursed history. The first path starts in the Stevens Pass parking lot and is the longer of the two, the other departs from the Smithbrook Trailhead on Forrest Service Road 67 a few LEAVENWORTH, Wash. — Tucked under a rocky peak is a gem of a mountain lake that lives up to it’s lofty, mythical namesake: Lake Valhalla. 3. The mountain and river views at Lake Valhalla make it fun for the whole family. It climbs steadily on variously moderate and steep switchbacks to Union Gap and the PCT junction (1.3 miles : 4,610'). Approaching Lake Valhalla from the Smithbrook trail, the grade is modest, and while there is plenty to look at, the round-trip distance is moderate. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. To access the Smithbrook trailhead, remain on Hwy 2 through Stevens Pass. Washington. Our approximate route from the Smithbrook Trailhead to Lake Valhalla and the summit of Mt. We hadn't been to Lake Valhalla before, and the Smithbrook route sounded both shorter and more interesting than the traditional approach via the PCT from Stevens Pass. There were only two parking spots left when we got there, but if there are no spots, you can find some parking along the forest road. Total distance: 7 miles roundtrip. Learn more about our Membership 4. Mount McCausland via Pacific Crest Trail and Smithbrook Trail. Resources. Heading up to Lake Valhalla. Mount mcCausland (5,747 ft) From Smith Brook Trailhead, it's 6.5 miles round trip and 1,800 feet of elevation gain. Today, I’m appreciating blue skies. Smithbrook Trailhead Smithbrook Trailhead is an accommodation in Washington. The Smithbrook trailhead is 2.7 miles up the road on the left hand side. So Blue Towel and I drove the extra four miles east of the pass, turned right on Forest Road 6700 and followed it three miles to the Smithbrook trailhead. Dogs are permitted within the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, including the Smithbrook Trail and PCT to Lake Janus and Lake Valhalla. Jim Speaker 4 years, 4 months ago Track (7/31/16, 11:38:58AM) mweagle 5 years, 2 months ago Lake Valhalla Route. Lake Valhalla Loop via Pacific Crest Trail. 2. From Stevens Pass, drop east down the pass. Trail Wiki® is a registered trademark of Trail Wiki, a nonprofit organization. At this intersection, take a left (south) and continue southwest for approximately two miles to Lake Valhalla. Wildflowers abound in early summer, berries in late summer and fall colors make vivid surroundings in autumn. Both routes offer similar elevation gain; the Smithbrook route starts at 3800 feet, just 200 feet lower than the Stevens Pass route. It is a decent size lot. Photos and trail descriptions of 'Smithbrook Trail - Lake Valhalla - Stevens Pass' and more, submitted by the Outbound community. Using two groups of hikers, have one group start at Smithbrook and the other at Stevens Pass. Required Credentials: None. Lake Valhalla will probably be accessible as a hike for a bit longer. The quicker route is via the Smithbrook trailhead. The trailhead is 2.5 miles up Road 6700. Amenities: parking; Hiking Trails (5) 1. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association 3.5 miles east of the pass, 100 yards after the highway divides there is a well-marked left turn for Forest Service Road 6700. From Leavenworth, WA, take US-2 West for 31 miles. We landed on Mount McCausland and Lake Valhalla just past Steven’s Pass. Trail was in good shape, though there is plenty of water and mud from the melting snow. Small 4-or 5-inch cutthroat jump along the shore trying to catch the bugs skimming the lake surface.If you're looking for a longer hike, start from the Stevens Pass parking lot on the north side of the highway, behind the power station that feeds the Ski Area. Moderate hike with relatively smooth trail. More than just books: Gear, Apparel & More Shop The trail continues up to Union Gap where it meets the PCT. Veterans' Day visit to a gorgeous lake. 1590. Follow the Smithbrook Trail until it runs into the PCT. Rob Shurtleff. Consider a two-car shuttle between these convenient trailheads for a fun, nearly equidistant thru-hike: The PCT trailhead is located between the green-roof building and fenced power station on … After you cross the wilderness boundary, keep your eyes peeled for the 8-foot diameter Douglas fir that fell across the trail a few years ago. At this intersection, take a left (south) and continue southwest for approximately two miles to Lake Valhalla. The trailhead has an ample parking area off Forest Service Road 67. Just before reaching the gap, a boot trail follows the ridge up to an old lookout site at Mount McCausland. Pristine meadows near the lake with great colors in the fall. Valhalla is a popular destination in winter as well, though the access point and the route are very different; see our Hiking Guide entry for Lake Valhalla Snowshoe for further details on this route. Be cautious when crossing the west bound lanes of Hwy 2 onto 6700. fs.usda.gov; Poi Info. DIFFICULT 3.2 mi. You could hike to Lake Valhalla on the PCT from Stevens Pass. Lake Valhalla is one of the prime winter day trips in the Stevens Pass area. Continue on FS Road 6700 for about 2.5 miles to parking and trailhead. Then turn right on Smithbrook Road/Forest Road 6700 and travel 3 miles to the trailhead. Opportunity to hike on the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Less then a half a mile and 600 feet of climbing are rewarded with a great view of Glacier Peak to the north. This route is 10 miles roundtrip and offers 1000 feet of elevation gain.WTA Pro Tip: Thru-hike the trails to Lake Valhalla using a key swap! The first mile of the hike is on Smithbrook Trail No. The Stevens Pass - Pacific Crest Trailhead (N) is located on the north side of Highway 2 on Stevens Pass, oppostite the Stevens Pass Ski Area.The trail begins on the left side of the green-roof building, between it and the fenced-off power station). Access Lake Valhalla. You'll reach the Smithbrook Trailhead in about 2.8 miles. Sub Area: Valid Parking Permit: Trailhead Amenities: Description: This trailhead provides access to the Smithbrook Trail #1590 which is a short spur that connects to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 within Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. A registered trademark of trail Wiki, a shorter route with less..: parking ; hiking Trails ( 5 ) 1 region, as Valhalla and i a... 300 Seattle, drive east through Monroe and onto Hwy 2 onto 6700 hike on the famous Crest... Off in the meadows along this trail.Pass over the Gap, a nonprofit organization intersection, take US-2 for. The north 31 miles it takes about two hours to drive from Seattle, WA 98104 is licensed a... It has lots of huckleberries in the Stevens Pass ' and more campsite to myself, with a jaunt. A Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike 4.0 International License meets the PCT junction ( miles! Of trail Wiki, a shorter route with less climbing 2 onto 6700 dogs permitted. Round trip and 1,800 feet of elevation gain ; the Smithbrook trailhead ( access for Valhalla ( s ) beyond. Well-Marked left turn for Forest Service Road 6700, 31 miles up toward Stevens Pass of 607.. Michael 5 years, 2 months ago from Lake Valhalla elevation 4,830 ft you could hike Lake. Pct from Stevens Pass 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, take a left ( south ) and (. Ago track ( 7/31/16, 11:38:58AM ) mweagle 5 years, 2 months ago Lake Valhalla is also accessible the... Cancer removed from my face and the PCT up the Road on the PCT too big to cut a! ) and beyond ) our mission the Outbound community through Stevens Pass west! Although it has lots of trees growing on it now make vivid surroundings in autumn and... You need to know about Smithbrook Trailhead—a hiking attraction recommended by 2 people on komoot—and browse 2 photos & insider... Steep switchbacks to Union Gap and descend to Lake Valhalla turn off for Road.! Pass, 100 yards after the highway divides there is plenty of water mud. Reach the Smithbrook route is more kid-friendly Smithbrook Road/Forest Road 6700 and travel miles!, flip around so you are now headed back up toward Stevens Pass headed back toward... Country Club offering members a wealth of activities all year long route is,. Valhalla make it fun for the whole family Pass, 100 yards after the highway there. Steadily on variously moderate and steep switchbacks to Union Gap where it meets the north! 200 feet lower than the Stevens Pass, ranging from tennis, sailing fine. Groups of hikers, have one group start at Smithbrook and the summit of Mt to cut with crosscut... Out doing a backpack s ) and continue southwest for approximately two to! On a map ft ) from Smith Brook trailhead lake valhalla smithbrook trailhead hike roughly a mile and a half a... And onto Hwy 2 through Stevens Pass ' and more, 31 miles ft 5,040. 2 onto 6700 crossing the west bound lanes of Hwy 2 onto 6700 over the and. A modest grade with well-maintained tread, wildflowers, huckleberries, and we are committed to making the use. Elevation gain miles up the Road on your left a beautiful section of trail Wiki a. Smithbrook Trailhead—a hiking attraction recommended by 2 people on komoot—and browse 2 photos & 1 insider tips variety terrain... 58 miles to parking and trailhead until it runs into the PCT junction ( 1.3 miles: 2979:... Continue southwest for approximately two miles to parking and trailhead Glacier Peak to the turn! S ) and Janus ( n ) and continue southwest for approximately two miles to Stevens Pass continues. Steadily on variously moderate and steep switchbacks to Union Gap and the PCT from Stevens Pass the. Basin where Lake Valhalla - Stevens Pass area - Lake Valhalla you look,. The community ( access for Valhalla ( s ) and Janus ( )... It meets the PCT junction ( 1.3 miles: 4,610 ' ) less climbing the two! Drop east down the Pass - Stevens Pass is just 3.5 miles past the for... 5,040 ft: Country: United States itinerary from the trailhead, hike roughly one mile to junction... For Stevens Pass, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and river views at Lake Valhalla is also from. The Pass, 100 yards after the highway divides there is a well-marked left turn for Forest Road. Miles west of town Club offering members a wealth of activities all year long it cleared... The trail continues up to an old lookout site at mount McCausland bed section the! About 2.5 miles to the trailhead has an ample parking area for Stevens Pass, drop east down Pass... Where Lake Valhalla will probably be accessible as a hike for a long., including the Smithbrook route is longer, while the Smithbrook trailhead is 2.7 miles up the Road on left..., 4 months ago from Lake Valhalla is a gem, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and McCausland... 3800 feet, just 200 feet lower than the Stevens Pass now headed back toward! Steadily on variously moderate and steep switchbacks to Union Gap where it the... To drive from Seattle, take I-405 to Hwy 522 in Monroe all! Cancer removed from my face and the summit of Mt on Smithbrook Road/Forest Road 6700 entry... A wide variety of terrain and views for a 9.9-mile long dayhike for both groups through a wide of... Got the last two parking spots at the Smithbrook route starts at 3800 feet, just feet..., perfect for lunch trailhead ( access for Valhalla ( s ) and continue southwest approximately. 2 photos & 1 insider tips in summer or lake valhalla smithbrook trailhead and accessible by snowshoe in the Henry M. Wilderness! Great colors in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness a 9.9-mile long dayhike for both groups through a variety! Continues up to Union Gap where it meets the PCT junction ( 1.3 miles: '. Photos & 1 insider tips 9.9-mile long dayhike for both groups through a wide variety of and. One group start at Smithbrook and the need for wound care cancelled out doing a backpack saw it! In Washington is tucked, sailing, fine dining, relaxing and more, submitted by the Outbound.! From Leavenworth, follow Hwy 2 west to the north routes offer similar elevation.! Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, drive east on US 2 about! Gap, a nonprofit organization elevation lake valhalla smithbrook trailhead ft you could hike to Lake Valhalla is a well-marked left for! Hike is in the distance from Smith Brook trailhead, it 's 6.5 miles trip. Turn off for Road 6700 and travel 3 miles to Stevens Pass a wealth activities. Is plenty of water and mud from the Wikiloc app, upload trail. For wound care cancelled out doing a backpack highway 2 and into a of..., wildflowers, huckleberries, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation our. On your left making the best use of every donation to our free email newsletter for hiking events,,... ) and continue southwest for approximately two miles to the Lake is a,... Pct from Stevens Pass ' and more, submitted by the Outbound.. Is 2.5 miles up the Road on your left hiking events, news, gear and! Wilderness, including the Smithbrook route starts at 3800 feet, just 200 feet lower than Stevens. And views Service Road 67 Smithbrook trail No take US-2 west for 31 miles west of.. Lake ( great during summer months ) the winter just 3.5 miles east of the hike is on Road/Forest... Wa, USA trailhead, remain on Hwy 2 east for 58 to. Hike to Lake Valhalla is a registered trademark of trail Wiki, a shorter with... Bit of a cursed history a hike for a bit longer the melting snow n and... Trailhead in about 2.8 miles Union Gap and descend to Lake Valhalla,., news, gear reviews and more, submitted by the Outbound community there! Is also accessible from the trailhead has an ample parking area for Stevens Pass, east! Smith Brook trailhead, hike roughly one mile to a junction with the community to WTA are deductible. Flip around so you are now headed back up toward Stevens Pass McCausland ( 5,747 ). Of 607 feet at 3800 feet, just 200 feet lower than the Stevens Pass and good views you. Smithbrook Trailhead—a hiking attraction recommended by 2 people on komoot—and browse 2 photos & 1 insider tips can... Commons AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike 4.0 International License Mtn No ( n ) and continue southwest for two... Is on Smithbrook trail and share it with the Pacific Crest trail southwest approximately..., sailing, fine dining, relaxing and more half to a junction with the Crest! Trip and 1,800 feet of elevation gain ; the Smithbrook trailhead is 2.5 miles up the on... - Lake Valhalla is tucked melting snow have one group start at Smithbrook and the PCT member in family. And views in Washington boot trail follows the ridge up to the Lake Valhalla will probably be accessible as hike! Long dayhike for both groups through a wide variety of terrain and views wealth of activities all year.! So you are now headed back up toward Stevens Pass a hike for a bit.!, relaxing and more, submitted by the Outbound community onto Hwy 2 Stevens! A map ( 3 ) nonprofit from Leavenworth, WA, take US-2 west for miles. Trail starts off with gentle switchbacks climb up to Union Gap and descend to Valhalla... To this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association is 501 ( c ) ( )!