Upper and Lower Snowy Lakes via PCT

Take Hwy 20 to Rainy Pass, and park at the trailhead on the east side of the highway. Begin on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), heading towards Cutthroat Pass.

The trail winds it's way towards the pass at a gentle grade over 5 miles. As the trail ascends, you'll leave the forest behind as you enter the alpine. If 11 miles a day is too long, you can extend the trip by staying at one of several campsites at Cutthroat Pass. Once you reach the top of the pass (6,900 ft), continue on the PCT along a talus covered ridge.

Around each bend, you'll be rewarded with more stunning and glorious views of this incredible section of the Cascade Mountain Range. Soon you'll begin descending steep switchbacks. In the distance, you can see the trail continue to traverse across the mountain slopes beneath Tower Mountain. Hike past Granite Pass (6300 ft) and a scattering of additional campsites.

As the trail continues, you'll traverse past cascading stream gullies. If it's early in the season these will be very treacherous due to avalanche chutes, so use caution. Even later in the season, mudslides can leave the tread of the trail in rough shape.

At around 10.5 miles you reach a small, unmarked spur trail that leads to up to Snowy Lakes. There is a large camping area near the junction in a meadow – but you came here for the lakes, so continue on! Gain 500 ft over the last half mile up to the lake basin, find a cozy place to setup your tent, and reward yourself with a good meal! Head back the way you came to return to the trailhead.

Note that Hwy 20 closes in the winter, so check with WSDOT before heading out in the spring or fall. Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at trailhead.