What is the parking situation like at the trailhead?

Parking can be very busy, particularly on Sundays, with cars sometimes parked a half-mile down the road, as seen on [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-07.083804518878). Mid-week parking was available on a Wednesday around 10:30 AM on [September 2](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-07.202330367148) and September 2. The lot was roped off into sections in late July, reducing the overall space.

Is the trail to Source Lake difficult to follow?

The trail becomes hard to follow once it enters the rocks, according to reports from [September 2](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-07.202330367148) and [September 2](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-09.223903831563). One report from July 22 noted that cairns marking the route down to the lake from the main trail had mostly vanished, though picking a way down was not difficult. The spur to the Source Lake overlook was described as overgrown in June 25.

Are there any significant obstacles or hazards on the trail?

The trail is described as rocky throughout, requiring hikers to watch their steps, as noted on [September 2](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-07.202330367148) and [September 2](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-09.223903831563). One hiker found the terrain to have a lot of loose rocks and step-ups, though the rocks were mostly grippy. A dog struggled with some of the rocks due to the narrow and loose talus terrain.

What can be expected regarding crowds on the Source Lake trail?

The Source Lake trail itself sees very few people, with many mistaking it for the turn-off to Snow Lake, [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-07.083804518878). After diverging from the main Snow Lake trail, hikers often have the trail to themselves, [August 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-19.161226360629), July 22. The main trail to Snow Lake, however, can be quite busy, August 19, June 25.

Source Lake

Snoqualmie Region

updated 1 week ago

The Source Lake trail is generally in good condition, with no snow reported as of September 13. The road is suitable for all vehicles, though parking can be very busy, especially on weekends, with cars sometimes extending a half-mile down the road as reported on September 6. While the main trail to Snow Lake can be crowded, the spur to Source Lake is reportedly much less used and often offers solitude, as noted on September 9. Some hikers have found the trail to be rocky and narrow, requiring careful footing and patience with other users, particularly those heading to Snow Lake, September 2, August 30. The lake itself is described as modest, and wildflowers were still visible in mid-August, though some were past their prime in late July. The Source Lake sign has been repaired and is now located on a tree, approximately 10 feet off the ground, September 6. Be aware that the Snow Lake trail, which shares the trailhead, was scheduled for trail work and closure from September 14 for at least a week.

Generated from 22 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Source Lake

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

Parking can be very busy, particularly on Sundays, with cars sometimes parked a half-mile down the road, as seen on September 6. Mid-week parking was available on a Wednesday around 10:30 AM on September 2 and September 2. The lot was roped off into sections in late July, reducing the overall space.