Lake Valhalla
3 weeks ago
Fall colors are muted, road conditions vary
11 this month · 113 reports
Josephine Lake
Central Cascades
updated 1 month ago
Reports from July 19 to October 4, 2026, indicate that Josephine Lake is accessible and largely snow-free. The primary trail obstacles noted include a rockslide above Lake Susan Jane, which is passable with care, and occasional downed trees, particularly on the Icicle Creek trail leading to the lake. The road access to the trailhead is consistently described as suitable for all vehicles, with one report mentioning it was rough but passable as of September 19. Parking at the Stevens Pass ski area is ample, though one report from September 20 noted it was jam-packed due to a mountain biking event. Fall colors are a prominent feature, with reports from September 20, September 19, September 12, and September 6 highlighting vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, particularly on the open slopes. Bugs have not been a significant issue, with multiple reports from late July through early October stating "no bugs" or "bugs were not too bad."
Generated from 24 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Josephine Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 month ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 1 month, so everything below is at least that old.
The rockslide above Lake Susan Jane is passable, though it requires careful footing. As of August 8, it was described as less than 50 feet long, and the hiker took their time choosing steps. Another report from October 4 indicated it was passable but required some effort.
There is a downed tree just after the junction with Lake Josephine, which is easy to go under. The Icicle Creek trail to Josephine Lake has several trees crossing it, with one noted as being easier to go over than under as of July 19.
The road access to the trailhead is generally reported as suitable for all vehicles. One report from September 19 mentioned the road was rough but passable, while others from September 20, September 12, and July 19 stated it was suitable for all vehicles.
Parking at the Stevens Pass ski area is generally plentiful, with reports from October 4 and September 6 noting ample open spots. However, on September 20, the ski area lots were reportedly jam-packed due to a mountain biking event.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
A great hike for fall color, with no crowds and massive parking at the ski area!We took the PCT south from Stevens Pass; where there are a bunch of parking spots reserved for PCT hikers and decently c...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
After a false start/camera mishap on the Lake Vahalla trail, we pivoted to taking the pedestrian bridge across to the meadow in the ski area. The ski area lots were jam packed full of cars and campers...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
We started at the Tunnel Creek trailhead and ended at Stevens Pass. Perfect Fall conditions. The trail is in great shape. Total distance is 12 miles but it feels shorter. Highly recommended!
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
The elevation gain listed for this hike is a bit deceiving - there are several significant ups and downs throughout so my Garmin tracked the elevation gain at 2800 ft.The fall color was beautiful thro...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Arrived at the PCT South trailhead at the Steven's Pass ski area (Lot E) around 11am on a beautiful, sunny Sunday. There were plenty of open spots in the large parking lot. The air quality was excel...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Everything about this hike is absolutely gorgeous except for the 1000 foot descent at the end. Just not the most fun, haha.The rock slide after Susan Lane is... sketchy. I am moderately athletic and h...
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Through-hike the Alpine Lakes and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, from Tucquala Meadows to Stevens Pass North. Planned as a 4-day trip but turned into 5 once we got a jump start the first evening; about ...
Older3 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
I hiked to Lake Josephine for the first time. I had read of a rockslide that could be difficult to cross, above Lake Susan Jane, so I was not sure I could get to Lake Josephine.This is my view of that...
Older4 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Just an update from the last trip report that the snow is mostly melted, no need for microspikes.We did the car shuttle by leaving a second car at the Tunnel Creek trailhead. It was nice being able to...
Older4 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Route ConditionsRoughly between the Alpine Lakes Wilderness boundary (after the powerlines) and the turn on to the Icicle Creek Trail (descending to Lake Josephine) there were maybe 8 sections of trai...