This is a great cool hike for a warm day - it mostly stays in the shade and near water. The multiple waterfalls provide some spray to cool off, and Otter Falls, has what amounts to a nice wading pool of very cold water. The only significant sun exposure is the last half of the Snoqualmie Lake trail.
The Taylor River portion of the trail is mostly flat and easy. That said, there are a couple of creek crossings that require rock hopping, and the Otter Creek crossing could be a challenge. One group I ran into apparently turned back there.
It looks like the spur trail to Otter Falls is brand new. Definitely different from the last time I was up here. There were five people at the falls on a Wednesday.
The Snoqualmie Lake portion was also fairly easy, but again complicated by water crossings. Most of these are easy, with the exception of the last, right near the lake. The trail goes to your left up the hill and the creek currently runs over it. There's a false trail straight ahead. If you have GPS, it's more clear, but if not, look for cairns running uphill. There's also a somewhat messy blowdown between there and the lake, but not hard to cross.
Mileage up to the lake looks intimidating, but the mostly easy grade makes this a doable day hike. This would be an amazing overnight destination though since there are a couple of other nearby lakes to explore. The few folks I ran into were mostly trail runners. One woman lugged a packraft all the way up and was out in the middle of the lake. I encountered only 4 people on the Snoqualmie Lake trail.
Comments
Courtbirder on Snoqualmie Lake, Taylor River - Otter Falls
Great report, thanks. I'm leading a group up there Tuesday and plan to wade to refresh my feet. It looks like your lake picture included a nice beach-front, is that right where you top out or did you scout further along the lake to find it? Would love your input as I'm sure my team won't want to add any more miles. (grin)
Posted by:
Courtbirder on May 31, 2025 11:11 AM
Pika Seeker on Snoqualmie Lake, Taylor River - Otter Falls
Right when you get to the lake the surface has a little bit of what appears to be algae. That's right at the outlet, so there's a current that still makes it possible to wade in. But there are better places if you keep going around the lake. The photo I posted is just slightly past the outlet, there's a rock, clear water, and access. The packrafter I mentioned apparently launched from that spot. It's not too much further.
Posted by:
Pika Seeker on May 31, 2025 04:42 PM
Courtbirder on Snoqualmie Lake, Taylor River - Otter Falls
Super, many thanks. Will post our results Tuesday evening.
Posted by:
Courtbirder on May 31, 2025 05:18 PM