Troop 60 News

Lake Valhalla

Date: September 7-8, 2024

Lake Valhalla Hike is a fantastic one. Distance isn't too bad at just over 3 miles to get to the lake. There was a nice sand beach and deep water right off the shore, allowing for some really great feet first plunges into the cool water. There is also a scramble on the other side of the lake to the base of Lichtenberg Mountain.

For both new and older Scouts, this was a fantastic hike.

You can squeezing in a group of campers a little to the northeast of the main view at the lake. If you get there too late, you can put a group up in the meadows by the toilet uphill from the lake.

The tiny parking lot fills up fast and other park on the side of the road before and after the parking lot. We arrived at the church at 7 and left a bit after that and missed out on parking lot parking. We would advise that future groups leave at 7am or earlier to get a good parking spot. You can also part at Stevens Pass and hike in via the PCT.

Lake Valhalla via Smith Brook Trail

Length 6.3 mi
Elevation gain 1,364 ft
+15min drive (longer if you drive like you love your car) from Steven's Pass
Need Forest Service Pass

Lake Valhalla via Stevens Pass

Length 11.4 mi
Elevation gain 1,922 ft

We chose the shorter route from Smith Brook Trail. If you aren't great with a map and compass, it is possible to head north instead of south on the PCT. It is also possible to go up the Mount McCausiand Trail right before hitting the lake, which some of our Scouts did. If you see the lake below and keep heading up and away from the lake, you're probably on the wrong trail.

Don't forget swim shorts, as the lake is very swimmable. Fishing is also possible. Hang your food, or the mice and other animals will get it!