Lake Valhalla
yesterday
Fall colors are vibrant, roads are rough
15 this month · 96 reports
Chain and Doelle Lakes
Central Cascades
updated 2 weeks ago
The Chain and Doelle Lakes area is currently accessible with no snow reported on the trails as of September 9. However, hikers should be aware of several significant obstacles. A large rockfall between Lake Susan Jane and Josephine Lake requires careful navigation. The trail to Chain Lakes from Icicle Creek is described as "diabolical" due to its steepness, with nearly 2,000 feet of gain in two miles. Multiple blowdowns are present, requiring some maneuvering. While roads are generally suitable for all vehicles, one report from July 17 specifically recommended high clearance due to a washout and rough conditions on FS 6960. Mosquitoes were a significant issue reported on July 17 and July 3, though one report from September 9 noted no bugs.
Generated from 15 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Chain and Doelle Lakes
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
As of September 9, the road was reported as suitable for all vehicles. However, one report from July 17 recommended high clearance only due to a washout and rough conditions on FS 6960.
The most significant obstacles include a large rockfall between Lake Susan Jane and Josephine Lake which requires careful navigation, and numerous blowdowns across the trail that necessitate maneuvering. The trail to Chain Lakes is also extremely steep.
Bug reports vary. As of September 9, no bugs were reported. However, on July 17 and July 3, mosquitoes were noted as being a significant annoyance.
As of September 9, the trail was reported as snow-free. Intermittent snow that was not difficult to cross was noted on July 3, and snow on the trail down to Doelle Lakes was also reported on July 3.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent2 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
2 night/ 3 day backpacking trip to Chain Lakes starting & ending at Stevens Pass.Total Gaia stats: 24 miles, 6300' vertDay 1: Start on the PCT at Stevens Pass ski area. Huge parking area and a bathroo...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
TL;DR: after an offensively steep hike up, just as you round the corner and see the glorious meadows and Chain Lakes and surrounding peaks: BUGS. SO MANY BUGS. Like the infamous honey badger, the mosq...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
We left the parking lot at 11:30. The climb up Stevens was fine, a bit of a preview of what was to come. Between Lake Susan Jane and Josephine Lake there is a rockslide over the trail, maybe 30 feet l...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
OverviewWhat an epic loop! The views on icicle ridge are some of the most dynamic I've seen in Washington. Trailhead is very accessible, but west of Lake Edna there were some profound moments of solit...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
We hiked up to Chain Lakes to set up camp and hang out for the long weekend. We also explored to Doelle Lakes and contemplated a hike over to Frosty Pass, but ultimately turned arounf. Some details th...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
These lakes required some downed tree gymnastics and there was a fiendish hill beforehand. Once at them the views were lovely, especially at the col, but mosquitoes were an issue; a thermacell or simi...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Did an overnight to Chain Lakes on a cloudy and wet day starting wednesday.Trail is in mostly good conditions with a few mostly minor blowdowns throughout. All were easy to navigate.There is a decent ...
Older3 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Three friends and I did a one night backpacking trip up to Chain Lakes. We started hiking at 9:30 on Tuesday morning, and after cresting the first ridge at ~2 miles, a hiker informed us that the trail...
Older12 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
As a middle-aged trail runner who doesn’t mind a bit of effort, this trail was spectacular. I found it more “runnable” and less brushy than I expected. I could at least shuffle almost the whole time, ...
Older12 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Started from Steven's Pass and headed south on the PCT. Turned on to Icicle Creek trail and descended past Josephine Lake. Continued to drop down gradually through meadows and forest to meet the Chain...