Heather - Maple Pass Loop
5 days ago
Early winter conditions with intermittent snow
23 this month · 179 reports
Rainy Lake
North Cascades
updated 3 weeks ago
Reports indicate that as of October 17, the Rainy Lake trail is in good condition, snow-free, and suitable for all vehicles. This paved trail is generally flat but has a few steeper sections off the main path, making it a gentle option for families. Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times, as the lot was full on October 17.
Earlier reports from August 15 and August 13 described more rugged conditions, including trees down, overgrown sections, and mud. These earlier accounts also noted an abundance of spiderwebs. Bugs were reported as an annoyance on July 24, but no bugs were observed on August 15 or July 21.
Generated from 27 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Rainy Lake
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.
As of October 17, the trail is described as being in good condition with no mention of significant obstacles. Earlier reports from August 15 and August 13 noted downed trees and overgrowth, but these conditions seem to have improved or are no longer present.
The parking lot was observed to be full on October 17, leading some visitors to park on the road. This suggests that parking can be limited, especially during busy periods.
The trail is described as gentle and kid-friendly, with mostly flat sections although there are a few steeper parts off the main path as of October 17. Earlier reports from August 13 and August 15 characterized it as tough, rugged, and muddy with tree falls and overgrowth, requiring more effort and wayfinding skills.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent3 weeks ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Very gentle paved trail we found to be kid friendly. The actual trail was mostly flat but there are a few steeper parts off the side of the trail that had me keeping a hand on the 3 year old. Lots of ...
Older2 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
Do you enjoy a never-ending buffet of spiders? Do you excitedly stay up all night because you simply cannot wait to count how many spiders you catch with your eyeball? If so, this is the trail for you...
Older2 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
A tough, rugged, muddy trail (bootpath, really) to a secluded lake. Don't let the short mileage fool you -- this trek takes longer than expected. It's called Rainy Lake, so expect mud and slick rocks,...
Older3 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
Get ready for a long read, as it’s the only way to fully describe this. The most important thing to note, this trail is notably longer than what WTA/Alltrails claims. We logged 10.1 miles and just ove...
Older3 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Quick and easy trail. Good amount of people on there. Nice stop for a picnic. Easy to take kids or elderly family to. Nice pit stop after maple pass loop. Lake is swimmable and refreshing for a hot da...
Older4 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Before David was confined to a wheelchair, I did not pay much attention to small cracks or curbs or sticks on the trail, or whether it was a little soft or had a few rocks. So many trails that I thou...
Older4 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Bottom Line:Two scoops! Modest hikes to both Blue and Rainy Lakes to paddle their amazing crystal-clear waters via packraft. The experiences are very different - Blue Lake has amazing color and dry cr...
Older4 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
I didn’t jump into this lake, but if I had, I wouldn’t have gotten any wetter. There’s only so long water-resistant gear can resist an overgrown trail on a rainy day up Rainy Creek to Rainy Lake!Every...
Older4 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
Rainy Lake is a small lake situated underneath Preacher Mountain on the edge of the Alpine Lake Wilderness. Accessed via the Middle Fork Trailhead, Rainy Lakes requires 3,000’ of elevation gain for on...
Older4 months ago
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
How long has this stunning lake been here?? Seriously, how has this never landed on my radar?I was in the North Cascades this week for a painting event and wanted to tack on a short hike as a bonus ex...