Snow Lake
1 week ago
Early fall color appearing on shrubs
16 this month · 213 reports
Waptus Lake via Waptus River
Snoqualmie Region
updated 1 month ago
Reports from early to mid-July indicate that the trail to Waptus Lake is generally in good condition, with most significant blowdowns cleared by Forest Service crews and volunteers as of July 10. The Waptus River crossing is described as a ford, ranging from knee-deep to mid-calf for most hikers, with some reports noting it was easy to cross July 21 or August 3. However, the bridge at the Waptus River crossing, specifically near the Pacific Crest Trail junction, has been out since at least July 10, requiring a ford that may be challenging for stock. Several reports mention trees down across the trail, particularly in the latter half of the hike to the lake or along the north shore of Waptus Lake, with some large blowdowns requiring navigation July 28 and July 3. The road to the trailhead is consistently reported as suitable for all vehicles.
Generated from 25 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Waptus Lake via Waptus River
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 month ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 1 month, so everything below is at least that old.
The bridge at the Waptus River crossing, particularly near the PCT, has been out since at least July 10. Hikers will need to ford the river, which was reported as mid-calf to knee-deep in early August, and easy to cross. However, the ford may be impassable for stock.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Due to Three Queens Fire, many trails on the Cle Elum Ranger district and within the Alpine Wilderness are closed.Closure Order 06-17-03-2026-32Thank you for understanding, stay safe!
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
8/3 - Salmon La Sac Trailhead to Waptus LakeFOUND - Copper bracelet at Waptus Lake campground.If you believe this belongs to you, please comment below with details regarding markings and I will try to...
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
WTA Trip Report: Escondido Loop (July 29 -30, 2026)This was a 3 day, 2 night backpack loop from the Pete Lake Trailhead, out to Salmon La Sac, up the Waptus River, over Escondido Ridge on the PCT, the...
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
Distance:26.1 milesElevation Gain:5,344 feetSome hikes are memorable because of the scenery. Others because of the wildlife. This one delivered both in a way I’ll never forget.I rolled into the Salmon...
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
Just came back from backpacking both Waptus and Spade Lakes with a short jaunt to Venus Lake.The hot (90+°F) days made it extra tough. The trail to Waptus Lake was long and dusty. A lot of horse feces...
Older2 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
Loads of horse poop, but otherwise impediment free.
Older2 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
A Forest Service crew and several volunteers were able to perform some trail maintenance in the Waptus Lake area last week. Blowdowns are frequent this year, and many of the trees that fell were some ...
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
7/9: Hike into Waptus Lake from the Salmon la Sac trailhead. We camped at the SW end of the lake where there are some nice beaches. The view from our campsite is amazing--the three Chief Summit peaks,...
Older2 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
I did a two-night backpacking trip to Waptus Lake with a day hike up to Spade and Venus over the 4th of July weekend. Report is broken down by lake since conditions varied.Waptus Lake: The trail to th...
Older3 months ago
Snoqualmie Region
Did a 2 night backpacking trip from Salmon La Sac TH with the goal of hiking the Waptus River trail to PCT, over Dutch Miller Gap to climb Mt Hinman.Day 1: Trail to Waptus Lake is in good condition wi...