Lake Valhalla
yesterday
Fall colors are vibrant, roads are rough
15 this month · 96 reports
Mount McCausland
Central Cascades
updated 3 days ago
The trails around Mount McCausland are in good condition and snow-free as of September 22. The most notable recent observation concerns the vibrant fall colors, particularly in the avalanche ravines and on the blueberry and mountain ash leaves, described as intense as of September 22. Small streams and a waterfall encountered along the way have dried up September 22. The Smithbrook Road leading to the trailhead is rough and recommended for high-clearance vehicles only, with deep ruts noted. However, one report from September 20 states the road is suitable for all vehicles when approaching from Stevens Pass via the PCT, suggesting an alternative access. Parking availability can vary, with some reports indicating ample spots early in the day, while others note increasing crowds later September 22. The summit offers excellent views, though the climb itself can be tricky with loose material.
Generated from 39 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Mount McCausland
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The Smithbrook Road is reported as rough with deep ruts, making it challenging for vehicles with low ground clearance. As of September 22, it is recommended for high-clearance vehicles only. However, one report from September 20 indicates the road is suitable for all vehicles if approaching via the PCT from Stevens Pass.
The trails are generally in good condition. However, the hike up and down from the summit is described as tricky due to loose material, and hikers are advised to use hands or poles for assistance. There are also reports of downed trees obscuring parts of the trail between the lake and the trailhead.
Multiple recent reports indicate no significant bug issues. Bugs were an annoyance on July 17, but reports from September 22, September 20, September 9, and August 18 all state that there are no bugs.
The small streams and a waterfall encountered along the trail have dried up as of September 22. Nobody has reported on water features being flowing in the recent reports.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh3 days ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
We went in on the Smithbrook Road that has become notorious since the past winter for the deep, hard edged parallel ruts. We made it through in our hiking mate's Mighty Isuzu Trooper. When we arrived ...
Fresh5 days ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Given my vehicle is low clearance, I used the route from Stevens Pass on the PCT just to be safe. I got there just before 9 am, and there were plenty of spots available. Approaching from Steven Pass m...
Recent2 weeks ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Others have commented about problems with storm damage on the road. I agree. Parts of the road to Smithbrook trailhead have very deep ruts that you must straddle very carefully unless you are driving ...
Older1 month ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Did a mid-week two night trip to Valhalla as we got smoked out of our original Ross Lake plans. The road is bad but it is open. Not a problem for our wilderness Outback; our friends made it in their P...
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
The Smithbrook Road is open, but I wouldn't want to meet another car coming in the opposite direction in several deeply rutted areas. There was only a motor cycle at the trailhead when I got there aro...
Older4 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
The access road had several downed trees and ravines difficult even for off road vehicles. Eventually the trees made it impossible to pass so I re-routed and went in from the PCT at Steven’s Pass. The...
Older5 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Smithbrook Road had 3 feet of snow at Highway 2 so we parked at the lot on the highway. We started up at 08:15, used microspikes on the road on ascent for slightly better traction on mostly firm/froze...
Older12 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Speedwell and I did a 13 mile out and back from Steven's Pass. The berries are waning and the fall colors are waxing. The best of both of these are on the slopes of McCausland (photos 1 and 2). The fa...
Older12 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
Great hike today up to Mount McCausland then down to Lake Valhalla.Arrived at the trailhead around 1 pm for the "second shift." Hike up to Union Gap goes quick. Lots of switchbacks. Then the slow clim...
Older12 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
The fall colors on Mt McCausland are past peak, but there are still some, although leaves seem to be dropping fast. The berries up the mountain are at peak - the thousands of them lining the trail mad...