Gothic Basin
2 days ago
Fall color arriving in upper sections
12 this month · 96 reports
Kelcema Lake
North Cascades
updated 1 week ago
The road to Kelcema Lake remains challenging, with a reported washout area and numerous large potholes, making high-clearance or 4WD vehicles highly recommended as of September 12. Despite the rough access, the trail itself is described as short and easy. The lake is beautiful, offering a lovely high-elevation ecosystem. As of September 12, the trail is snow-free and there were no reported bugs. Parking appears to be limited, with only one other group observed at the lake on a Saturday afternoon.
Generated from 16 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Kelcema Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road is described as rough, with a reported washout area and numerous large potholes. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, and 4WD is suggested for a more comfortable journey, as noted on September 12.
The trail itself is reported as short and easy, with no significant obstacles mentioned as of September 12.
Yes, the trail and the lake area are snow-free as of September 12.
No bugs were reported at Kelcema Lake as of September 12.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The road to Kelcema Lake in an AWD lower clearance Subaru Forester was heart wrenching. There is a washout area where we almost got stuck coming and going. There are repeated rows of massive potholes ...
Older4 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
I had a free Friday and decided to see if the tacoma could still make the road the Kelcema lake. I will say we made it, but just barely. There is a nasty dip in the road from a washout that the truck ...
Older5 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
You can make it up the access road ALMOST but not quite to the trailhead, so park on pull offs and hike the rest of the way to the trailhead. A brave low clearance sedan owner MIGHT be able to make it...
Older6 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Semi last minute trip to get out in the snow on a sunny early spring day. It was a great choice! The snow was a bit icy and at first it felt like our snowshoes were mayyyybe a bit overkill, but as the...
Older6 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Exhausting is the one word that best captures this trek through miles of deep, powdered snow. Carol had been eyeing this outing for a brief break in the weather, so we headed up the Mountain Loop High...
Older8 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Our party of two hikers and one dog made it to Kelcema Lake on a chilly but beautiful Friday. We saw no other humans the entire trip. A broken mudflap seen on our hike down (but not up) suggests that ...
Older8 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Parked at the large lot off the highway. Snow begins on the road at around 1.8 miles, with some rough road/small washout that will be exposed if snow continues to melt at around 2 miles from the highw...
Older10 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The washout 2 miles from the trailhead has gotten bad enough that I didn't even attempt it in my Outback Wilderness. Potholes are huge, and there is fresh gravel that you just immediately sink down in...
Older10 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The drive up is a little sketchy as there’s some loose gravel and pretty big potholes. If you care about the condition of your car definitely recommend a truck with some decent clearance. The trail it...
Older19 months ago
North Cascades
Was able to drive half way up until packed snow became unmanageable and difficult to proceed further. Hiking the road was enjoyable but wish I had snowshoes for the trail to Kelcema Lake. With warm te...