Headlee Pass and Vesper Lake — Tuesday, Sep. 21, 2021

I began my hike around 12PM today with Vesper Peak as my destination. I ended up at Vesper Lake 3 hours later… WTA directions are not clear which way to turn at the ‘Y’ after crossing the Stillaguamish River. Given that I missed the Peak and instead ended up at the Lake, I believe that I turned ‘left’ where I was supposed to turn ‘right’ at the main ‘Y’ after the River crossing. Has anyone else made this mistake? If so, please feel welcome to mention in the comments below or message me, as I I would really like to make the Vesper Peak summit next time I go up there and I want to clarify if that’s where I made a wrong turn or not. Thanks.

Regardless of my error, it was a great hike with challenging terrain, few other hikers and breathtaking views. Below are some details to keep in mind about Headlee Pass / Vesper Lake Trail:


1.) I would only recommend this hike for experienced, expert -level hikers and climbers.

2.) Aside from the simple error which I made, turning the wrong way at the ‘Y,’ (or wherever I made the wrong turn) there is route finding involved for nearly the entire hike. For two long, steep, scree fields, you’ll rely predominately on rock cairns to find your way, if it’s your first time up there and you aren’t familiar with the area. If you aren’t good at route finding, don’t take this hike or go with someone who is good at route finding. This trail was the site of a missing hiker a few years ago who (to my knowledge) still has not been found. It was also the site of a leg injury last week (see other trip reports).

3.) I would not recommend for trail runners or families with small children / dogs as most of the trail is slick, steep scree with many water crossings at the beginning.

4.) If you mostly hike on well-established trails like we do, give yourself double the time for this one that you normally would a hike of similar length. The reason why is that you have to keep stopping to identify the next rock cairn, also the slick scree just makes for much slower going.

5.) I’m not sure why this trail is rated ‘Hard.’ I have hiked up trails rated ‘Expert’ which were much easier than this one. Again, give yourself plenty of time for this trail and I also recommend wearing hiking boots. I’m normally fine during the summer months wearing my Altra Lone Peak Trail Running shoes, but I really wished that I would have worn my boots for better stability on this hike.

All of that said, it is a beautiful hike for those up to the challenge. I’ll be going up there again - hopefully to Vesper and perhaps Sperry Peaks next time.