Cora Lake via Big Creek Trail

The trail begins at Forest Road 8420 and climbs steeply to Cora Falls and Cora Lake. It then continues to climb, passes a junction with the Teeley Creek Trail (#251), reaches a high saddle, and descends steeply to its terminus on Forest Road 8440. You can make a relatively easy hike to the lake and back (1.2 miles, 560 feet of elevation gain), do the whole thing (4.5 miles, 2,100 feet of elevation gain), or — as described here — get the best of both worlds and hike as far as the saddle for a fantastic view without the extra vertical descent/ascent (3.5 miles, 1,170 feet of elevation gain).

In the first half mile, the trail crosses Big Creek twice between different parts of Cora Falls. These are easy crossings when the water level is low, but could be tricky early in the season. After another half mile, you’ll reach placid Cora Lake, which you can access via a short spur trail. It makes a nice spot for setting up camp or just taking a break. High Rock lookout towers over Cora Lake, with its white fire lookout cabin visible on clear days.

The main trail continues uphill past the lake, and, in another 0.4 mile, it passes a junction with the Teeley Creek trail. Make a sharp left to stay on Big Creek Trail (#252). It continues to ascend through dense forest before opening up with a splendid view of towering cliffs to the north, Mount Rainier to the northeast, and Cora Lake below. Sit down and have a well-earned rest before you head back to your car.

WTA Pro-Tip #1: Cora Lake is stocked with trout; try your luck if you like to fish.

WTA Pro-Tip #2: Amazingly, some people ride motorbikes on this trail! If you hear them coming, better step aside.