Tumwater Pipeline Trail
2 weeks ago
Vibrant fall colors dominate the start
2 this month · 25 reports
Lake Valhalla
Central Cascades
updated 3 weeks ago
The trail to Lake Valhalla is currently snow-free and in good condition, with reports from October 18 and October 18 indicating clear paths. However, road access to the trailhead presents a significant variable. While some sources from October 18 and October 11 state the road is suitable for all vehicles, a conflicting number of reports from October 18, October 16, October 16, and October 16 describe the road as "terrible," "super rough," or "treacherous," recommending high clearance vehicles only and noting deep ruts. Some hikers chose to park a mile or more from the trailhead due to these conditions. Fall colors are mostly gone, with only muted lingering hues noted by October 18 and October 16. Bugs are not an issue, according to reports from October 18, October 18, October 18, October 18, October 16, October 16, October 16, and October 11.
Generated from 113 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Lake Valhalla
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 3 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.
Road conditions to the trailhead are highly variable. While some reports from October 18 and October 11 indicate the road is suitable for all vehicles, multiple other reports from October 18, October 16, October 16, and October 16 describe it as very rough with deep ruts, recommending high clearance vehicles only. Some hikers have parked over a mile away due to the poor conditions.
Fall colors are largely gone, with reports from October 18 and October 16 noting that most have faded. Some muted lingering colors were observed along the road to the trailhead by October 18 and on the branches by October 16.
Yes, the trail to Lake Valhalla is reported to be in good condition and clear of significant obstacles. Reports from October 18 and October 16 mention the trail has a solid tread with only a few slightly muddy sections and no major blowdowns. Some very large trees were noted across a boot path on the approach to the southern shore of the lake by October 16.
No, bugs do not appear to be a problem on the trail. Multiple reports from October 18, October 18, October 18, October 18, October 16, October 16, October 16, and October 11 explicitly state that there are no bugs or that they were not bothersome.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Arrived around 11a on a Sunday and managed to get a parking spot in the lot — it was very quiet for a sunny day! Fall colors are mostly gone, but it’s still pretty!
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
The road to the trailhead is in terrible condition; a lot of deep ruts, some of the worst I have encountered.Very little Fall color left, except for along the road to the trailhead. Don’t plan the tri...
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Great hike and trail was in good condition.
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
I think it might be time to change the default recommended route for this trail. After reading increasingly harrowing reports about the condition of Smithbrook Road (and the resource constraints on th...
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Reports about the road are accurate and the description of “super rough” reflect the conditions. Besides that this was a very enjoyable hike - easy grade on the up and the down, sandy beach at the lak...
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Day hike along the PCT from Stevens Pass to Lake Valhalla, then a non-technical scramble to the summit of Lichtenberg Mountain.Parking and facilities: The Stevens Pass parking lot D is gravel and has...
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Trail was well maintained and pleasant. It was a beautiful day with late fall colors. The deep ruts in the road were concerning enough that we parked a mile from the trailhead and chose to walk up a c...
Recent3 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
The road was treacherous and for sure needs some TLC. Do not attempt unless you have high clearance vehicle or many friends who can push you out of a trench. we parked more than a mile away from the t...
Recent4 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
I hiked to the lake and the path up the top of Mt McCauseland on a chilly October morning. Arrived at the parking lot across from the ski area at around 8:30am, with perhaps 10 cars already there. I...