What are the current trail conditions regarding obstacles like blowdown or washouts?

As of [September 13](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-13.162622832272), the trail is in good condition. While one report from [July 20](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-21.141622779139) mentioned a washed-out area near the rim on the way to Snow Lake, subsequent reports do not indicate this as a persistent issue. There are no recent reports of significant blowdown.

Are there any closures or major disruptions to be aware of?

The trail to Snow Lake was scheduled to be closed from September 14, 2026, for at least a week for trail work, including rock blasting. This closure would impact the trailhead up to the junction with the Source Lake trail.

What is the general crowd status on the trail?

The trail can be quite busy, particularly the section to Snow Lake, with reports noting crowded conditions on weekends, [July 25](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-26.105043955765). However, crowds tend to decrease significantly past Snow Lake on the way to Gem Lake, [August 31](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-01.002001150437), July 25.

What is the road access like to the trailhead?

The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles as of [September 13](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-13.162622832272). There are no reports of any issues with road access in the provided trip reports.

Gem Lake

Snoqualmie Region

updated 1 week ago

The trail to Gem Lake is in good condition, with no snow reported as of September 13. The road is suitable for all vehicles. Hikers have noted that the trail is quite rocky, especially the talus sections leading to Gem Lake, which can be hard on the ankles, September 9, September 1, August 27, August 27, August 2, July 30, July 25. Fall colors are beginning to appear on shrub maples along the trail. Some reports mention encountering wildlife such as pikas and chipmunks, September 1, July 25, July 20. Bugs were not a significant issue in early September, September 12, September 9, September 9, September 6, September 1, August 31, August 27, August 27, August 2, July 25, though mosquitos were an annoyance in mid-July. Parking is generally ample, though the lot can be busy, August 27, July 30.

Generated from 85 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Gem Lake

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

As of September 13, the trail is in good condition. While one report from July 20 mentioned a washed-out area near the rim on the way to Snow Lake, subsequent reports do not indicate this as a persistent issue. There are no recent reports of significant blowdown.