What is the current condition of the road leading to the Snow Lakes trailhead?

The road to the Snow Lakes trailhead is rough with many potholes and in places has become one lane due to landslides, as of [July 11](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-12.104637206846). Some potholes are severe enough to be considered tire poppers. Prior to the Caroline trailhead, the road is a typical bumpy gravel road for the first 1.5 to 2 miles.

Are there significant blowdowns or obstacles on the trail?

Yes, blowdowns are a significant obstacle on the trail. 20-30 downed trees and instances of rockfall were noted on the descent from Lake Viviane to Snow Lakes. Hikers may need to go under, over, or around these obstacles, and caution is advised due to pointy bits that can scratch skin or tear clothing.

What are the current snow conditions?

Snow is intermittent but not hard to cross as of [July 11](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-12.104637206846) and [July 1](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-02.113057422695), July 1. One report from July 1 noted that Isolation Lake was still iced over, but thin blue ice pools were visible elsewhere. Poles were helpful for crossing small snow areas.

What is the parking situation at the Snow Lakes trailhead?

Parking at the Snow Lakes trailhead can fill up quickly. On [July 1](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-02.113057422695), the lot was 80% full by 5:10 AM. Another report on [July 11](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-12.104637206846) noted that on a weekday, the parking lot had barely any cars, but on a weekend, cars were parked all the way down to the Caroline trailhead.

Snow Lakes

Central Cascades

updated 4 weeks ago

The trail to Snow Lakes has intermittent snow that is not difficult to cross as of July 11 and July 1, July 1. The road leading to the Snow Lakes trailhead is rough with many potholes and in places is one lane due to landslides, as reported on July 11. Blowdowns across the trail are a significant obstacle, with 20-30 downed trees and rockfall noted on the descent from Lake Viviane to Snow Lakes. Bugs were an annoyance for hikers as of July 11 and July 1, July 1. Parking at the Snow Lakes trailhead was 80% full by 5:10 AM on July 1.

Generated from 20 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Snow Lakes

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 4 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 4 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.

The road to the Snow Lakes trailhead is rough with many potholes and in places has become one lane due to landslides, as of July 11. Some potholes are severe enough to be considered tire poppers. Prior to the Caroline trailhead, the road is a typical bumpy gravel road for the first 1.5 to 2 miles.