Snow Lake, Gem Lake
Aug 22, 2009
by
donqt
—
last modified
Aug 24, 2009 12:40 AM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Snow Lake
- Region: Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
- Agency: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - North Bend District
- Trails: Snow Lake (#1013)
- Avg Rating: 4.11
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Gem Lake
- Region: Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
- Trails: Gem Lake (#1013), High Lakes (#1012)
- Avg Rating: 3.80
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
- Ripe berries
Hikers: Two intermediate hikers - 7 miles w/ the 2k elevation gain & daypacks is more than casual for us, but at Snow Lake, we weren't tired yet so we decided to go on to Gem Lake. An 11 mile hike is probably close to our max (i.e. adding in the Gem Lake leg).
Parking lot about 11 am. We intended a 9 am start to beat the crowds, but I was worried about a fog report (and remembered a fog covered Lake Serene, which wasn't very fabulous).
The first part of the Snow Lake leg was pretty easy (explaining the kids and older folks on trail). There were a significant number of folks out (a Saturday). Some of the early folks were coming down as we went up. Things thinned out as we left Snow Lake (from Mile 3.5, you spend a mile+ skirting Snow Lake) for Gem.
Be sure to scramble up to the top of the rock above Snow Lake - it's a nice view from there & a great place to eat a snack.
There were lots of folks w/ just tennis shoes, my hiking companion amongst them. That was one reason we took this hike (over something more difficult) - she didn't have hiking boots. The Snow Lake leg seemed fine for her, but I was glad of my boots for the Gem Lake uphill (lots of loose rocks).
There are a few different places to go into Snow Lake. We didn't go down to the water until the path crossed the waterfall out of the lake (on the other side).
Taking the main trail around Snow Lake allows some nicer views off the back of the pass.
The last mile or 3/4 mile to Gem Lake was the most difficult part of the hike. Not really tough, but more taxing. It was nice that Gem Lake was just over the final rise (no descent). I liked Gem Lake better - it felt more like my own Lake, while Snow is so large.
There were a few folks at Gem Lake. But it felt worth the extra effort (another 1k climb). There's a bit of a contrast - and it's nice to see the clear blue in a smaller format.
The combo is a very good day hike for people who don't go hiking every weekend.
Insects were not a problem. There were a few flying around when we stopped at Gem Lake - my companion was bitten - I was not - thanks to long sleeves & some repellant.
Parking lot about 11 am. We intended a 9 am start to beat the crowds, but I was worried about a fog report (and remembered a fog covered Lake Serene, which wasn't very fabulous).
The first part of the Snow Lake leg was pretty easy (explaining the kids and older folks on trail). There were a significant number of folks out (a Saturday). Some of the early folks were coming down as we went up. Things thinned out as we left Snow Lake (from Mile 3.5, you spend a mile+ skirting Snow Lake) for Gem.
Be sure to scramble up to the top of the rock above Snow Lake - it's a nice view from there & a great place to eat a snack.
There were lots of folks w/ just tennis shoes, my hiking companion amongst them. That was one reason we took this hike (over something more difficult) - she didn't have hiking boots. The Snow Lake leg seemed fine for her, but I was glad of my boots for the Gem Lake uphill (lots of loose rocks).
There are a few different places to go into Snow Lake. We didn't go down to the water until the path crossed the waterfall out of the lake (on the other side).
Taking the main trail around Snow Lake allows some nicer views off the back of the pass.
The last mile or 3/4 mile to Gem Lake was the most difficult part of the hike. Not really tough, but more taxing. It was nice that Gem Lake was just over the final rise (no descent). I liked Gem Lake better - it felt more like my own Lake, while Snow is so large.
There were a few folks at Gem Lake. But it felt worth the extra effort (another 1k climb). There's a bit of a contrast - and it's nice to see the clear blue in a smaller format.
The combo is a very good day hike for people who don't go hiking every weekend.
Insects were not a problem. There were a few flying around when we stopped at Gem Lake - my companion was bitten - I was not - thanks to long sleeves & some repellant.
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