Snow Lake
1 week ago
Early fall color appearing on shrubs
16 this month · 213 reports
Upper Wildcat Lake
Snoqualmie Region
updated 1 week ago
Upper Wildcat Lake is accessible with snow-free trails as of September 12. Reports from July through September consistently describe the trail as being in good to fair condition, with minor obstacles like a few downed trees and some overgrown sections, particularly between Gem Lake and the Wildcat Lakes. The road access is suitable for all vehicles. While bugs were an annoyance in late July, they were not reported as significant in August and early September. Crowds are present at nearby Snow and Gem Lakes, but thin out considerably on the way to Upper Wildcat Lake.
Generated from 15 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Upper Wildcat Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The trail between Gem Lake and Upper Wildcat Lake is described as steep and rocky, with some brushy sections as of August 27. It is generally easy to follow, but there are a few downed trees that may require attention. One report from July 18 specifically mentions one significant blowdown on the trail to Upper Wildcat Lake.
All reports from July 10 to September 12 indicate that the road is suitable for all vehicles. There have been no mentions of any issues with road conditions.
Bugs were reported as an annoyance in late July, but by early September, reports indicate no significant bug activity.
Crowds are very heavy at nearby Snow and Gem Lakes, particularly on weekends. However, once past Gem Lake and on the trail towards the Wildcat Lakes, the number of people significantly decreases.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
This trip report is for the "tour de Alpine Lakes" lollypop: Start at Denny Creek / Franklin falls trailhead, then visiting the following lakes, in that order: Melakwa Lake, Chair Peak Lake, Gem Lake,...
Recent2 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Nothing to report for Snow/Gem Lake.For Wildcat Lakes - trail is obvious all the way. After Gem Lake, the trail wraps around the lake and you should see a sign pointing to Wildcat. Then you go through...
Recent4 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Started from the Alpental parking lot at 10:30am on a Thursday with a dubious weather forecast. The lot was still ~half full and the poor overworked pit toilets had no toilet paper. People sure do lov...
Recent4 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Found a pocket knife in between Gem Lake and Snow Lake. If you lost one, send me a message or post a comment below describing it including color, size, and model.Trail was in good shape. A few downed ...
Older2 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Snow and Gem Lakes were totally packed, even on a socked-in Thursday. After Gem Lake, the trail is steep, rocky, and a bit brushy, but generally easy to follow. Just watch for where the trail reappear...
Older2 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Original plans blocked by wildfire, not wanting to drive another few hours, I ended up closer to home at the snow lake trailhead at 9am on a busy Saturday as a backup. Parking lots were already full a...
Older2 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
I started hiking into Snow Lake around 1pm. Most people were coming out and there were a lot of people. Once I got past Snow Lake, there was hardly anyone on the trail! Got to Gem Lake around 4pm and ...
Older3 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
About 15 miles round trip- 4k in elevation gain- Easy trail to follow- Huge parking lot- Bathroom at TH- Verizion cell service at TH- Start earlySome trailheads deserve an early alarm, and the Snow La...
Older3 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Great area for an overnight trip! Hiking beyond Gem Lake you'll find solitude for hours, minus the mosquitos which were terrible after descending behind Gem Lake. Lots of berries will be ripening in t...
Older3 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
The trail from Gem to Upper Wildcat started with 0.6 miles of switchbacks where you declined 600 ft of elevation. After that you enter a talus field where I lost the trail a few times but was able to ...