It all starts at Source Lake--the mighty Snoqualmie River flows from this humble pond. But if the pond is humble and less than remarkable, the mountains surrounding it are anything but. The craggy peaks that form a granite fence around the headwaters of the South Fork Snoqualmie form an impressive skyline.

The trail starts from the northeastern corner of the broad parking area (directly across from the ski lodge). Head up the Snow Lake Trail, taking a moment to silently thank the volunteers who worked countless hours to save this route from years of neglect. The trail winds upward through a long series of crib steps before turning north on a long, climbing traverse of the lower flank of Snoqualmie Mountain. The trails stays well above the South Fork Snoqualmie River, but crosses many seasonal creeks and seeps as it angles up the valley. Cool fir forest gives way to heat-drenched, alder-clogged avalanche chutes.

At about 2.5 miles, as the trail sweeps across the headwall of the South Fork basin, stay left on the secondary trail as the main path leads upward to Snow Lake. The Source Lake Trail continues to swing around the headwall, climbing gently for another 0.5 mile. Enjoy a dip in the lake's cool waters while gazing out over the spires and peaks above: Chair Peak, Bryant Peak, The Tooth, Denny Mountain, and Snoqualmie Mountain tower overhead.