What is the condition of the trail from Gem Lake to Lower Wildcat Lake?

The trail from Gem Lake to Lower Wildcat Lake involves switchbacks and can be overgrown and wet on rocks and roots in places, according to a report from [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-07.093503608018). Another report from [August 27](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-28.163332795343) noted the trail becomes narrower and can be wet from bushes. However, a report from July 18 described the trail as mostly obstacle-free with nice switchbacks, though it gets a little brushy near the lakes.

Are there any significant obstacles on the trail?

One report from [July 18](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-18.221009490964) mentioned a single significant blowdown on the trail to Upper Wildcat Lake. Other reports from [August 27](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-27.234926938982) and September 12 indicate only minor obstacles. The trail is generally described as being in good condition.

What is the road access like to the trailhead?

All trip reports from [July 18](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-18.221009490964) to [September 12](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-15.130919863165) state that the road is suitable for all vehicles. There were no issues reported with road conditions.

How are the crowds and parking at the trailhead?

Parking can be full, with one report from [July 18](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-18.221009490964) noting they had to park a considerable distance down the road on a busy Saturday. Another report from [August 27](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-27.234926938982) mentioned ample parking and not many crowds on a Thursday afternoon.

Lower Wildcat Lake

Snoqualmie Region

updated 1 week ago

The trail to Lower Wildcat Lake is generally in good condition, with no reported snow as of September 12. However, some sections of the trail after Gem Lake become overgrown and felt wet on rocks and roots, particularly leading down to Lower Wildcat Lake. There was a single notable blowdown on the trail to Upper Wildcat Lake reported on July 18, though other reports from August 27 and September 12 indicate the trail is in good shape with only minor obstacles. The road access is suitable for all vehicles, and bugs have not been a significant issue in recent reports.

Generated from 12 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Lower Wildcat Lake

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

The trail from Gem Lake to Lower Wildcat Lake involves switchbacks and can be overgrown and wet on rocks and roots in places, according to a report from September 6. Another report from August 27 noted the trail becomes narrower and can be wet from bushes. However, a report from July 18 described the trail as mostly obstacle-free with nice switchbacks, though it gets a little brushy near the lakes.