Snow Lake
Early fall color appearing on shrubs
16 this month · 213 reports
Snoqualmie Region
The trail to Island Lake and Rainbow Lake is in good condition, with no snow reported since late June. Parking is generally ample, with reports of available spots even on busier days. Some minor obstacles like downed trees have been noted, but they are easily navigable. Fall colors are beginning to appear around the lakes, particularly near Sir Richard's Pond, as of September 15.
Generated from 44 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road to the trailhead has been consistently reported as suitable for all vehicles and in good condition. Reports from August 28 and July 10 indicate it is well-maintained with minimal potholes or washboarding, making it easily drivable in any vehicle.
Bugs have not been a significant issue recently. Multiple reports from September 19, September 15, and August 28 state there were no bugs. Older reports from July 18 and July 10 mentioned bugs being an annoyance or terrible, particularly mosquitoes in lake basins at sunrise/sunset.
Fall color was first observed around Sir Richard's Pond as of September 15. This report also noted fall magic reflecting on the lakes, suggesting the colors are beginning to emerge.
Early fall color appearing on shrubs
16 this month · 213 reports
Fall color arriving at Talapus Lake
11 this month · 188 reports
Aggressive chipmunks are eager for your snacks
11 this month · 146 reports
Fall color arriving on shrub maples
11 this month · 85 reports
Fall color is starting to pop
10 this month · 190 reports
Fall colors starting to arrive
8 this month · 129 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Up. Lots of up. The trail was fine and a glorious day for a hike. It is a hard long hike
Arrived at the trailhead early on a rainy Tuesday with ample parking. Trailhead bathroom in good condition!Hikes to Mason, Rainbow and Island were beautiful despite the rain. Once around Sir Richard’s...
It was a wet day on the trail, but that gave it to us without the normal Saturday crowds. There were a few other intrepid hikers out, but we didn’t run into too many people past the junction for Pratt...
With smoke on the eastern side of the cascades and many trails closed due to forest fires, I picked Mason Lake on the west side for a Friday hike. Though I have hiked this mountain many times, I have ...
Island Lake and Rainbow lake are just a tad too far to make it onto my day hiking list as an out and back, but I've always wanted to visit these two out of the way gems and this more remote section of...
I think like many backpackers, the choice of where to go out has recently met with obstacles due to fires and closed trails. We had a few more exotic ideas but realized it was best to stay closer to ...
Perfect day - Not too crowded. Mild temps and no wind.I hiked up the Ira Spring Trail to reach Mason Lake as described in the WTA Mason Lake trip report. Once at Mason Lake I continued on the Mount De...
Dylan (age 8) and I set out on our third annual backpacking trip, planning to spend 2 nights out. It was a smashing success! I think I told at least 8 "Captain Dylan" stories to pass the time, in whic...
Sunshine, cool breeze, no bugs biting, ripe huckleberries... what more could you ask for?I did the Ira Spring trail up to Mason Lake and then continued on the Mount Defiance trail past Rainbow and dow...
We got to the trailhead around 9am, and had to park a quarter mile from the trailhead. As we parked, there was a little traffic jam on what was now a one lane road.The other parking note is that it se...