Snoqualmie Lake, Lake Dorothy - Lake Bear - Lake Deer — Saturday, Jun. 28, 2025

Got started around 10am under low clouds and light drizzle—a welcome change after the climate changey spring we've had in the PNW. The run up the valley to Snoqualmie Lake was peaceful and cool.

Above Snoqualmie Lake, the trail opens up and gives some really nice views back down at the lake. From there, it’s about 1.5 miles and ~300 feet of gain to reach Deer and Bear Lakes. Past Bear Lake, the descent to Dorothy gets steeper with switchbacks and is pretty overgrown. Unfortunately there were no great views looking down at Dorothy as this part was densely forested. 

I only made it to the southern tip of Lake Dorothy. I’d hoped to loop around for better views, but the trail was too choked in. Bug pressure was intense around all the lakes—anytime I stopped for a gel, I was instantly swarmed.

On the return, I passed several campers at Snoqualmie Lake. One group had left a still-smoldering fire—please don’t do this. Fires are prohibited, and so are off-leash dogs (saw at least a dozen). Letting dogs run off trail isn’t just against the rules—it harms wildlife. Please be respectful.

All in all, a great run with cool temps and some beautiful stretches—but I wouldn’t recommend continuing down to Dorothy.