The Kendall Peak Lakes snowshoe trail is a popular winter destination, offering an intermediate snowshoeing route with stunning views and a rewarding experience. While less frequented in the summer, this trail provides a unique and somewhat quiet hike with excellent views of Snoqualmie Pass.
This trail is close to the Seattle area, so in about an hour's drive, you'll be parked and on your way. The grade is fairly easy making this for a nice outing through the forest.
Trail Overview
The route is relatively easy to follow because it follows a closed forest road. Experienced snowshoers who are good at route finding may go off the road and find their own routes to the lakes, but be aware of avalanche danger.
The trail starts at the large sign in the Gold Creek Sno-Park. A Sno-Park permit is necessary to park your car here from December through March. On weekends this area is a popular playground for family with inner tubes and sleds. As you climb higher the crowds thin out.
Route Description
- From the Sno-Park parking lot follow the forest road in a northeast direction.
- It is flat for the first 0.3 miles then the road turns north and starts to climb.
- At about 0.8 miles from the parking lot, the road turns sharply to the left. From here, more experienced snowshoers can go off the road and to find their own route.
- If you choose to stay on the road, follow it as it turns back on itself sharply to the right at about 1.3 miles from the parking lot.
- 1.6 miles from the parking lot, arrive at the base of a series of switchbacks. Here you can see Gold Creek Basin and Rampart Ridge to the east.
- From here, it is a long steady climb. There are places you can view mountains such as Silver Peak, Denny Mountain and Snoqualmie Summit ski area to the west.
- About three miles from the parking lot the road turns sharply right. Here again you can go off the road and find your own route if you are an experienced snowshoer, but take note - the incline of terrain here is steeper and more exposed than lower down. You must assess the avalanche danger.
- Following the road, you will reach a open flat area in about 0.3 mile. There is no view here, but if you continue south you reach a view point in another 0.3 mile.
- From this viewpoint, back track to the open flat area and continue going north on the road. This area is open and exposed.
- At about 3.8 miles from the parking lot, the road turns right yet again. Here, you'll head off the road and go north, traversing across mostly level open slopes for 0.2 miles, where you arrive at the first of the three lakes.
- It is possible to reach the middle lake through the forest, but avoid making for the third lake because the trail is steep and it is not safe to approach it in the winter.
The route begins on closed Forest Road 9090, where you will hike for three miles to a switchback at 4100 feet. After leaving the road, it climbs steeply to the first lake. Once there, take a break and enjoy the view, complete with Kendall Peak towering overhead. To continue on to the second lake, follow the track around the right-hand shore and climb it steeply. The only available camping is at the second lake. Past the second lake, the trail becomes more difficult to follow. Stay to the shore on the right and then cross an inlet stream. The trail to the third lake switchbacks up the hill.
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Kendall Peak Lakes are three small lakes tucked in a forest and mountain ridges, covered with snow in the winter. There are excellent viewpoints along the road, which snowshowers sometimes enjoy more than the lakes. On a clear day mountains such as Rampart Ridge, Kendall Peak, Granite Mountain, Silver Peak and even Mount Rainier line the distant horizon.
Kendall Peak Lakes Snowshoe 2019
Trail Conditions and Safety
Please be aware if you are postholing where skiers and snowshoers travel you are creating a hazard with the holes you make.
This area is open and exposed. You must assess the avalanche danger. It is not safe to approach it in the winter.
Because of its proximity to the metro area and Snoqualmie, it can get pretty crowded, so brace yourself for crowds and tricky parking if you come on the weekend or a nice day.
What to Expect
For our outing, snowshoeing on a packed trail, in average condition, we completed this route in a little under 4 hours - that included stopping for lots of photos, snacks at the top and a pretty quick pace downhill.
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The snow was compact for the first 2 miles or so and there are nice views of the skiers on the slopes when the views opened up first about 2.1 miles and 3,600 feet in. We did see a mix of snowshoers and X-C skiers on the trail, in addition to folks just in boots.
The road began switchbacking for another 1.5 miles with the Kendall Peak ridge in front of us and then we came to a large open junction lined with trees at 3.25 miles in and 4,170 feet with tracks in different directions.
Planning Your Visit
Directions
Drive east on I-90 to exit 54. From the exit ramp, turn left, crossing under the freeway to reach the Gold Creek Sno-Park. The “parking area” is rough and covered with snow. Park along the side and where you won’t block others.
Parking
You'll come to Gold Creek Sno-Park area immediately, note that it can get very busy but parking is typically available along Lake Mardee Rd (it may just tack on some distance to your outing).
Permits
Best to have cash on hand for Sno-Park day pass if you don't already have one. You can buy a snopark pass HERE or go over to the HYAK snopark across I-90 to a kiosk to buy. Only 1-Day passes are available at the kiosk there.
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Facilities
There are porta potties available at the trailhead in variable conditions. Please pick up after your dogs - leaving a plastic bag on the trail for everyone to see unfortunately doesn't cut it.
Tips and Recommendations
- If you're out with family or want to cut the distance down, there are incredible views about 2-3 miles up that make for a great turnaround point, or a good place to stop for snacks.
- Past that, the elevation continues to climb steadily and peaks out at about a 2,000 foot elevation gain from the trailhead (at about 4,500 ft elevation).
- Near the top, Kendall Peak Lakes are visible if you look northwest-ish from the last fork in the bend before you start turning to the right southbound, about a quarter of a mile from the turnaround point.
- If you make it to the top where this route ends, there are incredible views of the Cascade Mountains, and looking south you can see Mt. Rainier on a clear day. These views are arguably better than the lakes.
Post-Hike Dining
Need some eating out suggestions when friends want to stop after a hike? Favorite Eats After Hike: North Bend Bar & Grill, Chang Thai & Pho, The Commonwealth, Basecamp Books & Bites, or just Pack A Cooler.