Lake Dorothy - Lake Bear - Lake Deer, Snoqualmie Lake — Wednesday, Jun. 27, 2001

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

The trail to Dorothy Lake is in need of some vital repairs. WTA has worked it a couple of times this year, and there are some nice new turnpikes, crib steps and other structures from previous years; but much of the trail is one long root-filled, rocky mess. The Forest Service is planning to upgrade the trail soon and survey stakes line the trail laying out the extensive work that needs to be done. It's a short trip to Dorothy Lake, but the lake must be one of the longest natural lakes in the Cascades (I wonder if any one has compiled such as list). It seemed like it took almost as long to walk the length of the lake as it did to hike to the lake. The trail follows high above and to the east of the lake passing nice, secluded campgrounds along the way. Cross a foot log at the end of the lake. Take a close look at the log before you cross it. I hope the Forest Service is planning to replace this thing too. I wouldn't rely too much on the rusty cable that passes for a railing when crossing the log. I headed up over the pass and down toward Bear Lake. The trail from Bear Lake on down to Snoqualmie Lake is not much better. The portion from Deer to Snoqualmie is the worst. It follows long, wet, muddy switchbacks down to the lake. I continued on to the south end of Snoqualmie Lake before turning back - I had a fair amount of elevation to buy back if I wanted to get home. There's now snow on the trail anywhere, all the lakes are open and the bugs aren't bad yet. I found a nice spot by Bear Lake to sit and space-out for a while. I was surrounded by patches of marsh marigolds and Jefferson's shooting-stars. Zeek's at 7:00pm was good - spicy chicken strips with French fries, but they should really offer onion rings as a substitute.