Snow Lake
3 days ago
Intermittent snow and ice present
9 this month · 233 reports
Alta Mountain
Snoqualmie Region
updated 3 days ago
The route to Alta Mountain involves significant snowfields, covering approximately 70% of the ridge, with one particularly exposed section requiring caution due to snow on a narrow ledge. The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles, and trees and brush appear to have been recently cleared, though some muddy spots and a large pothole exist. Water is plentiful until the last Rampart Lake. Visibility was poor with whiteout conditions on both summits, limiting views. The last report from November 07 indicates snowfields can be difficult, and wind and chill were notable. Earlier reports from October 20 stated the trail was snow-free and the road cleared, while a report from September 16 mentioned the access road was impassable.
Generated from 23 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Alta Mountain
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
As of November 07, snowfields cover about 70% of the route on the ridge, with some areas being up to calf-deep and potentially difficult to cross. The summit area also had lingering snow.
The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles as of November 07 and October 20. Earlier, the access road was reported as impassable and closed on September 16 and August 11 due to fires.
The trail has steep and muddy sections before Lake Lillian. Near Lake Lillian, a small slab scramble section requires caution due to wet slabs. The most exposed section on the ridge involves a narrow crossing with snow and a questionable snow bridge, as reported on November 07.
On November 07, the reporter was the only car at the trailhead, and they encountered three other groups during the day. No other reports mention current parking or crowd status.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh3 days ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
We arrived at the backdoor TH at 6:30 am. The road is in good condition. Trees, branches, and brush seemed to have been cleared recently. There was one big pothole, but it can totally be maneuvered. I...
Recent3 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
The road to Rampart Ridge TH has been CLEARED! No longer must you sacrifice your vehicle’s paint job in order to access this amazing route. Get there soon before the TikTok crowd diverts from Vesper.
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Went up to give this a try, since the fires seem to have been brought under control.The access road is closed, with a sign near the freeway “Road closed 3 miles ahead.”
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Due to Three Queens Fire, many trails on the Cle Elum Ranger district and within the Alpine Wilderness are closed.Closure Order 06-17-03-2026-32Thank you for understanding, stay safe!
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Due to Fire Activity the following trails are closed and not accessible at this time:Rachel LakeRampart LakeLila LakeAlta MountainLake Lillian and Laura Backdoor - do not north of Lake LillianDo not g...
Older4 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
It's steep at times, and the trail is a little hard to find, but the views at the top of Alta Mountain are worth it. Highly recommend downloading the route, as we took a couple of wrong turns trying t...
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Solo overnight at Rampart Lakes.Road is a bit washboarded and some potholes, but not too bad. Found a spot in the lot without issue at 3 pm.Trail up to Rachel Lakes is a really pleasant stroll along t...
Older4 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Penultimate day of school for my three children which meant I had clearance for a long day hike. Dropped my daughter at middle school and drove East with some general ideas for a destination. Thorp ...
Older4 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Trail conditions:Normal.Bugs: A few and then a lot.Snow: No.Photos: None. The phone is in the shop. I have no photos from June 19th.Parking: tight.
Older5 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
I've been to Rachel and Lila lakes a few times over the years but somehow have never made it all the way up the ridge of Alta. Figured I would try out the backdoor since I've never entered the area th...